Chapter Story 2: Four Seasons

by Bugmouthga

A look into the four seasons of the weather that coincide with the four years of Beca's years at Barden University. This story does NOT follow canon.

This story is the second of my chapter stories, taking place over the four years of Beca's time spent at Barden University, while also covering the four seasons of the weather. The first chapter could be considered "canon", the other three are NOT, as, even though Beca and Chloe are not officially a couple in this story, they are much more romantic towards each other than the first two films imply. Enjoy!

Four Seasons

Chapter One: Freshman Spring Break Blues

Beca felt miserable! She was all alone on Spring Break at her first year at Barden University. She got to DJ at the radio station while Luke had gone to party in Florida for two weeks. Most of the other volunteers had gone on vacation as well, so any that were left were spread thin, and spent their shift alone. While Beca had never been one for a lot of inane chit chat with strangers or acquaintances, she would have been happy to have Luke there to call her "Becky", or some of the other seniors to boss her around. But alas, she was on her own.

Her spirits were low, just thinking about all of the people she had let down or hurt after her fiasco with the last Bella performance. She would often go down the line in her head, thinking of all of the Bellas, with their shocked, or betrayed faces. Even letting down Aubrey made her feel bad. Of course, the two she felt worst about hurting had been Chloe and Jesse…

She had called Jesse dozens of times, left messages, none of which he had returned. She hated to admit it, but she felt somewhat perturbed by his silence, as she was so used to him jumping through hoops to impress her, and talk to her before, but she also was mature enough to realize that she couldn't blame him for his anger and dismissal of her. In all honesty, had someone treated her that way, she would have done the same to them.

As for Chloe, her sweet, sunny, friend, she did not know how to face her at all. About an hour after she had stormed out on the Bellas after their disastrous last performance, Chloe had texted her: Beca, are you okay? If you need to talk, I'm here!

As much as Beca had wanted to, she didn't even know what to say to the beautiful ginger. A few days after that text, Chloe had sent her another one that simply said: I miss you

That text had made Beca cry, but she still didn't know how to respond to the kind, loving redhead, so she didn't.

While most of her Spring Break was playing songs at the radio station, she also caught up on any homework she'd been behind on, studying for finals, watching Jesse's recommended movies, and listening to Titanium, which reminded her of her lovely shower bandit, Miss Beale.

During this time, Beca felt more emotional than she had in years. She hadn't been this affected by feelings and other people since her parents' messy divorce when she was eight years old. She cried a lot. When she wasn't needed at the radio station, she often stayed in bed all day, sleeping, crying, eating. She gained a few pounds, too, which showed up more easily on her naturally thin frame.

Even music, her first love, did little to improve her mood. She took to listening to only the saddest of songs in her collection, which only made her feel more melancholy.

It was obvious, even to her, that she wasn't taking care of herself very well. She didn't shower every day, would often forget to brush her teeth. Her hair looked like a rat's nest for lack of brushing. So she ate, slept, listened to depressing music, and neglected her self care, when she wasn't at the radio station.

Most of the Bellas were off campus at this time, gone somewhere for Spring Break. Beca did see Cynthia Rose once, walking by the open window of the radio station, where Beca was sorting through some CDs, but the fellow Bella did not see her… or at least, she did not acknowledge her as she passed by. She didn't know if the black beauty had seen her or not. She had also come across Aubrey Posen, coming out of the Bella rehearsal hall, one late evening. She was carrying a box of sheet music and notes. The young woman looked positively defeated by life. The usually proud person looked wan and tired and sad. Thankfully, Beca had hidden in the shadows behind some vehicles before the heartbroken senior had seen her.

Life was just a downhill battle now, one that Beca just couldn't face any longer. Her energy was depleted, her heart was hurting, and all because she had to lose her temper and storm off.

Her dreams were horrible, too. Usually muddled and sad, only remembering bits and pieces here and there, familiar faces, angry words, tears and loneliness… She sometimes woke up crying, feeling an ache in her soul, and small glimpses of her nightmares, nothing concrete, just a sense of longing.

Finally, when things seemed the bleakest, when life was so unbearable that Beca could hardly stand it, something unexpected happened. It was a ray of light, a major turning point in her life, in the form of a text. It was short, to the point, and full of hope and promise. It read: The Bellas are STILL in the game for the championship! Please, come back to us, Beca! We need you and I miss you. You're still my favorite! XOXO

It was from Chloe…

Beca began to cry, as she ran her fingers gently over the screen of her phone, trying to physically touch Chloe's text.

Seeking advice, she decided to go visit her father. While they weren't close, and she usually thought everything that came out of his mouth was idiotic and lame, perhaps he might have something to help her figure out what she needed to do.

Maybe there was hope, after all…

Chapter Two: The Sophomore of Summer

Jesse was going with his parents to France for the summer. It was, he'd told her apologetically, before leaving in a taxi, just for the family, having already been planned for a year. It wasn't as if she had been expecting his parents to pay for her to go to Europe with them, or anything. And she knew she couldn't afford to purchase a ticket for herself, nor would she ask her father for the money. She was on better terms with him lately, but she did not want to have to depend on him anymore than she already did.

Still, it did hurt her feelings a little bit, to be excluded at the get-go, from her boyfriend's- of a whole year- summer plans. It hurt her feelings a little more over the fact that Jesse had never tried to get her together to meet his parents. Not that she wanted to. She could barely stand to be around her own most of the time, so having to be on her best behavior to meet anyone else's seemed like too much of a hassle for her. But still, he could have shown her that she was important enough to warrant a meeting with his mom and dad.

Beca assumed she would be in for another, long, lonely summer. She knew that Chloe was supposed to be going home for the summer- after having flunked Russian lit for the second year in a row, and preparing for another year as a senior at Barden. Amy was leaving, too, going off with some guy. Most of the other Bellas were leaving for the summer, as well, family vacations, or going off somewhere together- like Jessica and Ashley, as they were inseparable, among… other things ;).

She lay on her twin size bed, up in the attic bedroom she shared with Amy, sighing sadly, and staring at the ceiling, contemplating their last two weeks of school, and a final Bella performance they were doing for the graduating class. She blew out a breath, hit the mattress with her hands, cracked her knuckles, stretched her legs, trying to break out of her boredom, and the anticipation of that long, lonely summer she was sure she would have to soon face.

Before she knew what hit her, the beautiful, red haired whirlwind known as Chloe Beale, bounded exuberantly into the bedroom, and, upon spying the little sophomore moping on her bed, she pounced on the younger woman, wrapping her up in a warm, loving hug, nuzzling the side of Beca's neck with her nose.

"Mmm, hey, Becs…"

"Uh...hello…" Beca replied, flustered and embarrassed over her beautiful friend's less than subtle forms of affection. The feel of the redhead's arms hugging her so tenderly, the big blue eyes focused solely on her, the sensation of having this gorgeous woman, who looked and smelled so nice, and who inadvertently turned her on whenever she was around made Beca's head spin. Good thing she was lying down. "Chloe… eh, what are we doing here?"

"Snuggling," was the straightforward reply. Chloe snuggled in even closer, until her lips grazed the shell of Beca's ear, who shivered involuntarily, and whispered, "I have a favor to ask of you, love."

"Oh, um, really?" Beca gulped, her palms becoming sweaty. She inconspicuously wiped them on her bedspread, then thought about what Chloe had said. "Wait, a favor?" she groaned. "Shit, Chlo, the last time you asked me for a favor, I found myself dressed as an elf, entertaining a bunch of preschoolers for some stupid holiday performance!"

"Little Winkie the Christmas Elf was a marvelous play!" Chloe responded, looking the slightest bit offended by Beca's remark. "Besides, it was for charity, remember? We made a lot of money for under privileged children! And you were a brilliant Winkie, even if you weren't too keen on doing the play at first."

"At first?! I was against doing it through all three acts!" Beca laughed. "You blackmailed me, I swear! But that's what I get for running down to the kitchen in the middle of the night in my underwear to grab a few cookies. Should have known you'd catch me."

"I never blackmailed you, love," Chloe assured her. "I would never have told anyone else about your midnight snack, or your lack of dress while retrieving it."

Beca rolled her eyes. "You certainly gave me the impression that you would tell if I didn't do the play…"

"Well, sure I did. I wanted you to do the play!"

The brunette shook her head. "Right… And what about the time we ended up babysitting a sick puppy with the trots all night? That was so fun…" she muttered sarcastically.

"Oh, yes, the Boston Terrier! The poor little thing had stomach issues! And my professor said he was forced to attend that symposium that evening. Oh, Chomps is fine now, by the way. Thanks for asking." And Chloe smiled and kissed Beca's cheek.

The soon-to-be junior squirmed in her best friend's embrace, but to no avail. Chloe, for as flowery and delicate as she appeared, had a vice like grip. Sighing in resignation, Beca finally gave up struggling against all of that affection, and asked, "So, what's it going to be this time, Chlo? Need someone to help you clean off some mouse traps? Host a kindergarten jamboree? You got some latrine duty at the ROTC building lined up?"

"Ew… aw… ew… and no to all three of those," Chloe giggled. "Although, the kindergarten jamboree does sound fun."

Beca chuckled. "You have a warped sense of fun, my friend. So, uh, then what do you want from me, Red?"

"Well," Chloe began, resting one hand on Beca's chest, which made the brunette's heart race involuntarily, while her other hand played gently in Beca's dark hair, "I was kind of hoping you would do me a favor and hang out with me."

"Isn't that pretty much what we're doing right now?"

"I don't mean right now, silly, but this summer, I was hoping we could…"

"But I thought you were heading back home to Oregon for the summer, Chlo," Beca replied in confusion. "I mean, since you failed Russian lit again, and you're coming back in the fall… eh, I mean…" Her voice trailed off, embarrassed at having mentioned Chloe's failure out loud. She had wondered why Chloe kept taking a class she seemed destined to fail, but it wasn't her place to say anything. Besides, it meant that she got to keep Chloe with her for another year.

"It's all right, Becs," Chloe assured her, sighing wistfully as she stared momentarily up at the ceiling. "Yes, I flunked Russian lit… again! So, yes, I'll be back next year, but I really would love it if you came with me to Oregon for the summer."

"Really?" Beca asked in surprise. "But… wouldn't you rather have Aubrey come with you?" she blurted, feeling jealous at even the thought of it.

Chloe made a face. "No way! Don't get me wrong. I love Aubrey. She's like a sister to me. And I have had her visit my home when we were freshmen, but that was years ago. And she's all grown up now, you know, with her own apartment and that resort job. Besides, you're my favorite, Becs!"

"Favorite what?" the young DJ asked frankly, trying to hide her blush.

"Favorite person, ever, in the whole wide world!" Chloe announced with certainty and great fervor. She kissed Beca's cheek again to reiterate the fact.

"Jesus, Chloe," the sophomore muttered, her face beet red by now, "I get more action with you than I do with Jesse, for Christ's sake!"

The beautiful ginger smiled seductively at her. "Well, I aim to please, Becs." And the younger woman averted her gaze, trying not to reveal the effect her best friend had on her. "So, anyway," Chloe went on, "my parents want to see me this summer and they suggested I invite you to come with me. I was so excited when they told me."

"You mean they said you could bring a friend," Beca corrected her.

"No," Chloe informed her, "they specifically said to bring you."

Beca was confused. "But how would they even know about me?"

"You're kidding, right?" Chloe laughed. "Beca, they know all about you! You're my best friend. I tell them about all of the things we've gone through together, and all of the fun we've had, and how you're always there for me."

Beca grimaced. When had she ever really been there for her precious Chloe? She felt incredibly guilty. Chloe had done so much for her, but she couldn't think of a single time when she had reciprocated. It made her immeasurably sad. Averting her eyes, she murmured, "Chloe, I… why are you so sweet to me?"

"Because you deserve it," Chloe replied easily, leaning her head on her hand, as she gazed lovingly at the small brunette lying beside her in the bed.

"How do you figure that?"

"You're my favorite," Chloe reminded her. She leaned subtly forward, until their noses were touching, whereupon, the redhead gave her best friend an Eskimo kiss.

"But… but… why am I your favorite?" Beca pressed, not wanting to gaze into those baby blue eyes, but unable to look away, for some reason.

"Because I love you best, sweetie!" Chloe declared, and then Beca received another tender kiss, this time on her forehead. "So, will you come with me to Oregon? Will you spend the summer with me and my family?"

"Uh… I… can't think of a reason why not…" Beca reluctantly admitted. It was true, Chloe was her best friend. It was true, she loved the soft, cuddly redhead. It was also true that Beca sometimes had a hard time being in the same room alone with Chloe, because of her attraction for her, and the confusion she experienced whenever she was around her. As much she enjoyed the ginger's company, it could make their quiet down time almost unbearable. She wasn't sure if she could handle a constant dose of nothing but Chloe, 24/7, for an entire summer. So, why then, did she just reluctantly agree to doing just that?

Women are confusing as fuck, she sighed inwardly, not only thinking of her bestie, but herself, as well.

"Oh, thanks, Becs," she heard Chloe happily prattling on, bringing her back into the moment. "I'm so happy!" The redhead squeezed her small friend tightly. "And now, you'll get to meet my little brother, Chris, too! Maybe we could treat him and his girlfriend, Alana, out to dinner, you know, as a thank you for him finding us our car, Herbie!"

"Herbie, bah!" Beca scoffed, thinking of the little, beige, Volkswagen Beetle they had bought together last fall. "I'm sure you mean 'Outta Time', our time-traveling slug bug!"

Chloe giggled. "You're so adorbs, Beca, but by next year, you will be calling him Herbie, too!"

The brunette playfully rolled her eyes. "You wish! But you're right that we should probably do something nice for your brother. I guess we could treat him and his girl to dinner."

"Aca-awesome!" Chloe squealed. "It'll be like a double date! So much fun!"

Before Beca had the chance to ponder over, or question her friend about the 'double date', Chloe planted another enthusiastic kiss on her cheek, which, was also the time that Amy happened to walk in, and witness it.

She looked down at her roommate, lying on the bed with the delectable Ms. Beale, cuddling and smooching. "What in the name of all that is gay and holy is going on in here?" she asked in amusement.

"Hi, Amy!" Chloe replied excitedly. "Guess what? Beca is going home with me for the summer! Isn't that aca-awesome? Oh, I'm so happy!"

Beca smiled nervously, as Chloe got up out of the bed, pausing long enough to caress the small woman's cheek. She gave Amy's arm an affectionate squeeze, too.

"Where you going, Red?" Beca asked, missing the warmth of her lying beside her.

"I'm going to call my mom. She's going to be so excited, too!" And with that, she left the room, bounding cheerfully down the stairs.

"So… going to stay the summer with our own little Red, huh?" Amy asked, smiling devilishly at her roommate.

"Uh… yeah, guess I am…" Beca replied in uncertainty.

"Sounds like you'll be doing the Flintstones bit, eh?"

"What do you mean?" Beca asked in confusion and suspicion.

"You'll have a gay old time," the Australian sang, winking knowingly at her dark-haired roommate.

The dark-haired roommate in question rolled her eyes. But deep down, if she had to be honest with herself, that was something of a worry to her…

PP PP PP

A few days later, Beca felt horrible, heartbroken, really, because she had to tell Chloe that she did not have the funds to pay for a flight all the way to Oregon. She had even been tempted to ask her father if he could lend her some money to pay for the trip, but the last time she had been to his house, Sheila, her step-monster (as she called her), was there and she and her dad were arguing about money, of all things. She knew her mom couldn't afford to help her out either, so she would never even bother her with a request.

As much as she had been worried about going earlier, spending too much time with Chloe, Beca, nevertheless had tears in her eyes, feeling the loss of an experience that would never happen. She hadn't realized how much she had been wanting to go on this vacation until she couldn't. With great sadness, she knocked on Chloe's door, and was allowed admittance, her stormy, blue eyes looking sadder and more stormy than ever, as she attempted to let her best friend down.

Just looking at the forlorn young woman, without hearing her speak a word, had Chloe in tears. She didn't know what was wrong, but she knew that something was. "Oh, my God, Beca! Darling, what's wrong?" she asked, making a mad dash to the little DJ's side, and wrapping loving, protective arms around her.

Seeing Chloe so emotional only made Beca feel worse. "I… I am beyond sorry to have to say this to you, Chlo, but I can't… go with you to Oregon this summer." She lowered her head, tears silently falling from her eyes, cascading down soft, pale cheeks.

Chloe gasped, tears forming automatically in her own large, blue eyes. "Oh, Becs, did… did somebody die in your family, honey?"

Beca glanced up at her in confusion. "Huh? I mean…"

"If you need to stay and attend a funeral, I'll stay here with you, love," Chloe avowed, sobbing along with her friend, holding her close. "I'll go with you, hold your hand. You have a shoulder to cry on. Who passed away, Becs?"

"Oh, no, no, it's nothing like that, Chlo," Beca said, trying not to chuckle over how quickly her bestie jumped to conclusions. Still, she was surprised, and quite touched by how easily Chloe would just chuck her summer plans out the window to console her during a sad time.

"No funeral?" Chloe asked hopefully, cupping Beca's cheek with a gentle hand.

"No," Beca replied, and she could hear the relief when Chloe sighed slowly, releasing the fear and tension that had built up in a matter of seconds at just the idea of her beloved Bella co-captain's suffering.

"Thank goodness," the redhead exclaimed happily. "But… then, why can't you come with me?" she asked in confusion, and a look of fear overcame her beautiful features once more. "Is it… Jesse? He coming back early?"

"Oh, no! Not Jesse!" Beca was quick to assure her, although she wasn't sure why she felt the need to. Shouldn't a girlfriend be happy to spend time with her boyfriend? Shouldn't a girlfriend prefer to see her boyfriend, even over a best friend? "He's in France, and that's where he'll be all summer," the small brunette explained.

Another sigh of relief crossed Chloe's full, shapely lips. "So, if Jesse isn't coming back and no one's dead, why can't you be with me?"

This time Beca sighed, but rather morosely. "It's just that I don't really have enough money to pay for a plane ticket, or cover any other expenses that might come up. I'm sorry."

"Is that what you're worried about?" Chloe chuckled good-naturedly. "Becs, please don't even think about it. We've got you covered. I invited you; you're my guest. All expenses are paid."

"Are you sure? Chlo, this is an expensive trip!"

"Doesn't matter."

"But… look, it might take me some time, but I'll pay you back," Beca avowed.

"No need to, sweetie. It's just a gift from one best friend to another!"

"That's some gift," Beca murmured, always feeling a little uneasy when others were so generous towards her. "I feel like I'm some kind of VIP," she joked.

"That's because you are," Chloe informed her, "especially to me." The redhead then caught the surprised Beca off guard by swooping in for a quick hug and a kiss. "Come on now, love! Let's go get you packed up!"

PP PP PP

The plane ride out was a rather interesting one. The two girls were being spoiled by Chloe's parents, and truly, given the VIP treatment that Beca had earlier alluded to. They sat in first class, got to have a fancy lunch, and were served champagne.

Beca had actually been served a Pepsi, as it was revealed through her ID that she was under 21. But she managed to talk Chloe into letting her drink half of her glass of the bubbly. Beca knew it might take the edge off of her fear of flying a little bit. (It wasn't a crippling fear, mind you, but rather an annoyance that gnawed at her insides until she felt ready to scream… or puke.)

Chloe begrudgingly gave up half of her champagne, but felt guilty about it and worried what her parents would think of her if she had allowed her little friend to end up getting drunk on the flight over. Beca assured her that it would take much more than a half glass of champagne to get her drunk, so Chloe relaxed about it, then ordered another glass, and shared that one with Beca as well.

"You don't like flying, do you, Becs?" Chloe asked quietly, gently touching Beca's shoulder as she watched her guzzle down her second half glass of the good booze.

Beca shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant about it all. "It's not my favorite way to travel, I suppose," she admitted, something she'd never told anyone else in her life. "But I'm all right."

"If it really bothers you, I can have my parents exchange our plane tickets for train tickets for the trip home," Chloe suggested.

"Oh, hell no!" Beca argued. "I mean, we're in first class, Chlo! Great food- well, better than a bag of peanuts, anyway, and all the champagne we can drink! Oh, and they give us those little hot towels."

"Well, yeah," Chloe agreed.

"Plus, going on a train would take a lot longer. No, I can suffer through a plane ride, if it means first class, babe."

"You're sure?"

"I am, I promise!"

"Okay," Chloe relented. "I just hate to see you look so nervous."

"To tell you the truth, though, Chloe, it's not just the plane ride that has me feeling a little freaked out," Beca admitted. "It's also meeting your parents. What if your family hates me, or thinks I'm some sort of… bad influence on their sweet, wonderful daughter?"

"Oh, my gosh, Beca, don't be silly. They're going to love you!"

"But how do you know?" Beca challenged her. "What are they like?"

The redhead shrugged. "I dunno. Like me, I guess."

"Well, that's reassuring… I think."

"Beca…"

"Maybe we should order another champagne."

"Honey, don't worry! I love you, so they will, too."

"Chloe, I rub most people the wrong way, at least at first. They don't usually like me as much-"

"Love," her companion reiterated. "They're going to love you."

"Love, right," the small brunette amended softly. "Let's get another glass of the bubbly, huh?"

"No, we'd better not," Chloe decided. "I don't want either of us to appear tipsy, or anything. But don't worry, Becs. All you need to do to get people to take to you is to open up and show them your soft side, like you do with me. Let people see the real you!"

"This is the real me," Beca muttered. "And I do not have a 'soft side'."

Chloe grinned in endearment at her stubborn friend, then, noticing the plane go through a bit of turbulence, she instinctively wrapped her arms around Beca and pulled her in close for a snuggle. "You do so have a soft side, Beca Mitchell," she whispered into the small DJ's ear. "I've seen it, first hand. You're as soft and cuddly as a teddy bear."

If anyone else in the world would have accused the tough little alt-girl of being 'as soft and cuddly as a teddy bear', Beca would have torn them a new asshole, and that included any of the other Bellas, her parents, or even Jesse. But somehow, Chloe got away with it. Somehow, Chloe was the one person who could completely get passed Beca's defenses, and rough exterior. She wondered how anyone ever could, let alone Miss Mary Sunshine herself. But it never occurred to the hard-as-nails Beca that maybe, subconsciously, she herself was letting Chloe in, to see the kinder, gentler side of Beca Mitchell, to see her innermost thoughts and feelings, to gaze upon the vulnerability inside; the soft and cuddly teddy bear part of her. Years later, Beca would realize that Chloe was her soulmate, and her one, true love, and that was how the redhead could seemingly magically know the most secret parts of her soul. At this time, though, at barely 20 years old, it all remained a baffling mystery to her…

Beca looked into the face of the person who meant more to her than even she realized herself, and she offered up an open look of that teddy bear that dwelled within; soft and vulnerable. "Hey, just don't ever tell anyone about that, okay, Chlo?" she asked trustingly. When Chloe's eyes met her own, the young junior-to-be averted her gaze. "I mean, I just wouldn't want to lose my badass reputation at school, or anything…"

Chloe gave her a loving smile. "Cross my heart, I won't," she promised, before kissing Beca's furrowed brow. When the plane hit more turbulence, and she felt the young DJ tense up in her arms, the redhead suggested, "Hey, what's say we do something to pass the time?"

"Like what?" Beca whispered, her eyes closed, her lips trembling. She relaxed a little when she felt warm, slender fingers caress her face.

"Well, we could watch a movie…"

"Movies are lame," Beca murmured, "uh, except for your Disney movies," she added kindly, not wanting to hurt her beloved best friend's feelings.

Chloe smiled affectionately at the small woman, even though Beca's eyes remained closed, just as her arms were closed in around the redhead's slim waist, squeezing tightly.

"We could play cards? I brought a deck…"

"Lame."

"What about I Spy?"

"What are we, six? Besides, we're in the cabin of a plane, Chlo. Just what do you think we're going to be able to 'spy'?"

"There's a lot of things we could-" Chloe began, but Beca cut her off.

"Lame."

Chloe sighed. "We could always play… Truth or Dare," she whispered into Beca's ear, and the brunette's eyes shot open in alarm.

"Eh…"

"Want to?"

"Uh…"

"Could be fun."

"But… um… there's too many people around," Beca squeaked nervously, suddenly not noticing the turbulence so much. All she could think of was being asked to tell the truth of how she really felt about Chloe, or being dared to kiss her…

Chloe glanced around the cabin. There were three other passengers in first class. One was reading, one was sleeping, and one was immersed in their phone, listening to music with their earbuds in. "Well, want to listen to music?" she asked.

"Music!" Beca cried in relief. "That's a winner! As you might have guessed, I kind of have a thing for music."

"What a surprise," Chloe laughed. "But here's a coincidence: so do I! And as it happens, I brought us some music to listen to."

"That's great, Chlo. Why don't you pick first?" Beca replied. She remembered how Chloe never got first pick or much choice at all when co-captaining with Aubrey. So she often went out of her way to make sure her favorite redhead got first pick as much as possible.

"Thank you, Becs," Chloe responded gratefully, wearing a loving smile. She got out her earbuds, putting one in her ear, and offering Beca the other, before starting up the music. They had to keep their heads close together, lest the earbuds get pulled apart. Chloe chose the first song, snuggling in tightly with her favorite person ever.

"Uh, Chloe…" Beca asked, her cheeks turning pink, "is that…?"

"Yep!"

"Your, um… lady jam?" Beca whispered, hoping that no one could hear them.

"Titanium," Chloe affirmed, closing her eyes and smiling happily. "Only now it holds even more meaning to me because it's the first song we ever sang together, and it makes me think of you…" Her voice trailed off, but she soon began to sing softly.

Beca was beyond nervous now, and it had nothing to do with the turbulence. Her best friend just admitted that her masturbation song made Chloe think of her! Did that mean she thought of her when she was actually… jamming her lady bits? Beca blushed crimson, but thankfully, Chloe's eyes remained closed.

With a shrug, Beca decided to just go with the flow, and she relaxed in Chloe's sweet embrace, and began to sing along with her. If nothing else, it reaffirmed her belief that no one harmonized better with her than Chloe…

PP PP PP

When they arrived at the airport, Beca and Chloe exited the plane, went through security, and there, awaiting them, was Chloe's family. There was no mistaking them. Besides Beca seeing a few pictures that Chloe kept of her family in her room back at Barden, they simply stood out among the rest, all of them were so darn gorgeous, just like Chloe.

Chloe's mother, Clara, was as beautiful as her daughter, just slightly shorter and twenty-five years older. She also had red hair, and large, Disney Princess eyes, except hers were green. But what Beca noticed the most was Mrs. Beale's sensual lips. So, that's where Chloe gets her radiant smile from, Beca managed to reason, in the midst of being instantly smitten by her best friend's mom. God, I need to be careful! Can't get caught staring at my best friend's mother's lips all the time…

"Mommy!" Chloe squealed in delight, running over and hugging her mother tightly, allowing the woman to cover her face in kisses, much the same way she often covered Beca's. Beca observed this, realizing that this loving, open, and affectionate upbringing is what made Chloe into the sweet, gentle, caring young woman that she was today.

"Oh, my sweet, darling daughter!" Clara Beale cried, hugging her baby girl tightly. "It's just been too long! You need to come home more often! Now, stand back, that's it, and let me have a look at you… Yep, just as I thought! Carl, look at our daughter. She just keeps getting more and more beautiful every time we see her!"

Carl Beale, Chloe's father, looked like a dashing movie star. He had classic good features: tall, dark-haired, a strong chin, tan skin, and bright blue eyes, just like Chloe's. Beca stared at both of Chloe's parents in disbelief. No wonder Chloe was so hot; her parents were super models!

"Come here, princess!" Mr. Beale exclaimed proudly, scooping up his only daughter in a great, big hug. "We've missed you so much!" He kissed her on the forehead.

"Daddy, I've missed you, too," Chloe whispered, her voice wavering with emotion, as she hugged her father fiercely back.

Even Chloe's eighteen year old brother, Christopher, a male version of Chloe, only taller, of course, and with his father's dark hair, looked like he stepped off of a fireman's calendar. He was lean, but muscular. Unlike a lot of teens, he had clear skin, and he was tan, with those same, remarkable blue eyes.

Wow, Beca thought to herself, suddenly feeling a little on the homely side, the Beales are just… unreal! How can one family be this hot?

She watched as siblings Chloe and Christopher exchanged warm hugs, both seeming ecstatic to see the other.

"Missed you, choir-girl," he snickered.

"Missed you back, jock-boy," she laughed.

Beca was an only child and had always preferred it that way. She knew of too many people who complained constantly of their annoying siblings, both as children, and as adults. She had always felt grateful that she'd never had to deal with any such nonsense. But leave it to Chloe to actually have a loving relationship with her little brother. Truth be told, Chloe had never made a disparaging remark about her younger sibling. She imagined Christopher acted accordingly for her. It boggled the mind!

"Oh, wait," Chloe said, amidst the hugs and kisses, and the sweet family reunion that passersby were stopping to stare at, for all of the beauty and the mushiness involved, "we're forgetting someone. Everybody," and she stood next to Beca, wrapping a loving arm around the smaller woman's shoulder, while smiling proudly, "this is my best friend, in the whole, wide world! This is my Beca!"

Squirming uncomfortably, as all eyes were suddenly on her, Beca smiled nervously, hoping her clothing, or her hair, or her ear spike wouldn't give a bad impression. "Uh… hi…" she murmured, barely above a whisper.

Clara Beale spoke first, wearing a warm, genuine smile. "Beca, my dear, it's truly a pleasure to meet you. We've heard so many wonderful things about you!" She reached out a hand. Beca timidly took it, but was surprised when she did not get the expected handshake, but rather, was pulled in for a big hug.

Now, Beca was not a hugger, by nature. It wasn't as if she'd been starved for love and attention as a child, or anything, although neither of her parents had offered up a lot of physical affection, by any means. She occasionally let her Bella sisters hug her. Her parents and family would get the odd, awkward hug when seen, usually on rare visits and holidays. Jesse hugged and kissed her, of course, although, truthfully, she could only tolerate so much of it before she'd subtly push him away. The only person who was up in her space constantly, showering her with hugs and kisses, was, of course, Chloe. But the woman currently giving her a squeeze right now was responsible for creating the one who Beca did allow into her personal space on a regular basis, and therefore, an extension of Chloe herself. So, she not only tolerated the warm embrace from what was basically a stranger to her, but Beca actually gave her a hug back.

"Well, hello, there, Beca!" Mr. Beale spoke up next. "Any friend who means so much to my daughter is like another daughter of mine!" And he gave her a hug as well, but not nearly as exuberantly as his wife just had a moment ago. Beca had been too stunned to respond, but she managed a shy smile and nodded at him.

"Hey, Beca," Christopher said next, sidling up and giving her a quick squeeze, his sinewy muscles rubbing against her and making her feel a bit nervous. "I feel like I know you already, since Chloe's always talking about you. Can't wait to hang out with you guys. How's Herbie doing?"

Herbie, of course, was the beige Volkswagen Beetle that Chris had found for Chloe and Beca to use while living on campus, to make it easier for them to travel off campus when they needed to.

"Um, it's nice to meet all of you, as well," Beca stated, feeling awkward, but coming off sincerely, too. She looked at Chris. "The car is holding up well, thanks, but it's not called 'Herbie'. She's called 'Outta Time'."

Chris snickered at her, sharing a knowing glance with his sister, over Beca's head. "Okay, right… Outta Time…"

Beca was an only child, but she was perceptive enough to know that she was being good-naturedly ribbed by, not one, but two Beale siblings. Instead of getting riled or perturbed, the young DJ merely smirked at her best friend's brother. "Great," she sighed, sarcastically. "I'll be dealing with two Chloe's all summer long…" She gave him a snicker of her own.

The entire Beale family laughed appreciatively at Beca's antics, and Christopher playfully cuffed her arm. To Beca's own surprise, she didn't slam him in the shoulder.

"Well, come on, kiddos," Carl Beale announced, "let's get your luggage and then we'll go out to dinner. But we'll make it an early night, since you girls are probably a little jet-lagged."

"Thanks, Dad!" Chloe said, kissing his cheek. "Becs and I are kind of tired. Right, Becs?"

"Yeah, a little," Beca admitted, although, she was more like exhausted. She wanted nothing more than to get established in her room, so she could decompress and relax. Still, she was hungry.

"I call shot gun!" Christopher called playfully, rushing ahead of everyone to the luggage bay.

"Very funny, young man," his father sighed indulgently.

"As if!" Chloe yelled after him. "You know Mom and Dad always sit in the front together!"

He turned to look back at her and stuck his tongue out at her.

"Keep that up," Chloe retorted, "and I'll make you sit between Beca and I in the back seat, and we'll flick your ears all the way to the restaurant!"

Chris stopped in his tracks. "Mom," he called, rolling his eyes at his sister.

"Oh, you know she's kidding, Christopher," Clara groaned, taking hold of her husband's arm, much the way Chloe often did with Beca when they were out somewhere together.

Beca noticed this immediately, with a surprised expression. Whoa… does Chloe think of me as her… husband?! Wife?! Oh, Jesus…

And, like clockwork, Chloe was there, at her side, gently gripping her arm. It made Beca feel weird, like they were mocking Mr. and Mrs. Beale, even though she knew Chloe would never purposely do that. Feeling awkward, Beca pulled her arm out of Chloe's grasp. Before the beautiful ginger could react, or get upset, however, Beca did grab her hand. She knew that physical contact was important to Chloe, and Beca had become accustomed to it, as well, at least, when Chloe was involved. Never mind that they were traipsing behind Mr. and Mrs. Beale, as well as Christopher, looking like a young lesbian couple just getting back from their first vacation together. Most people didn't notice them, but of the few that did, if they stared for too long, Beca would give them a defiant glare, while Chloe didn't notice any of them at all.

Beca envied Chloe's ability to remain so oblivious to other people's judgments, including her parents. While Chloe walked, proudly holding Beca's hand, her head held high through the airport, Beca's eyes darted furtively back and forth. She had caught a glimpse of Mrs. Beale, looking back at the two young women with an enigmatic smile. Beca was sure that Chloe's mom was worrying that her daughter had fallen for some wicked, little alt-girl, and that Beca was corrupting the innocent redhead.

But Beca couldn't have been more wrong. Clara Beale's sweet smile was genuine and she turned and whispered to her husband, "Looks like our little girl is in love…"

PP PP PP

Mr. and Mrs. Beale led the family- and Beca- out to the parking lot, everyone chipping in with carrying the luggage. Beca held tightly to her laptop, unable to leave her beloved music behind, not for an entire summer!

It hadn't been a problem, anyway, as when Chloe had been helping her pack, she herself suggested to her little favorite, "Oh, Becs! Don't forget to pack your laptop with your music! Maybe Oregon will inspire you to create a masterpiece this summer!"

The memory made Beca smile. She recalled a time she and Jesse had gone away for the weekend for the first time. It was also to be their first time being intimate. But they had gotten into an argument when Jesse had said it wouldn't be appropriate to bring her music along for such an important milestone in their relationship. She had been planning on bringing it, but had finally relented and left her laptop behind.

With Chloe, everything was different. Granted, the dynamics of their relationship were different, too, in one way in particular- sex! She and Jesse occasionally had sex, while she and Chloe seemed to do everything but that! But the truth was, she felt more comfortable with Chloe, enjoyed her company more, and she felt she could really be herself with the redhead. She'd never truly experienced that before. Not with family, other friends, or any romantic entanglements. Only with Chloe.

When they got to the restaurant, Beca was surprised. The last time she had gone back to see her mom, they had stopped at Wendy's for a bite to eat. When she'd last gone out to dinner with her dad, he'd taken her to a pretentious French restaurant, trying to be nice, for sure, but she'd felt uneasy, and hadn't liked the food. The Beales, however, had brought their brood- and Beca- to a higher end, but not too fancy, sit down Italian restaurant, called Antonio's.

Once inside, it seemed warm and homey, with the stereotypical checkered tablecloths and lit candles at every table. Most of the staff greeted the family with familiarity and friendliness, and Beca could tell they must go there a lot. A waiter, with a name tag that read Nicky, took them to their table. He spoke to both Chloe and Chris, addressing them by name, and Chloe whispered that she used to go to school with him. Beca noticed that Nicky enjoyed watching Chloe's backside whenever he thought no one was watching him, but the thing was, Beca was watching him, and she narrowed her eyes at him, vowing to keep an eye on him closely from there on out.

The group was led to a quiet table, not far from the kitchen, where the heavenly smells of different pasta dishes wafted enticingly right to them, tempting them from afar. Mr. and Mrs. Beale sat beside each other on one side of the table, and the three youngsters were to sit across from them. Beca really didn't want to sit in the middle of the two Beale children. She took the seat in the corner, and silently urged Chloe to sit beside her in the middle seat. When Christopher started to sit there instead, his big sister gave him a stern look and he moved over to the other end seat near the aisle without even a word. Beca smiled. Chloe totally got her, she really did. She truly was the best BFF Beca had ever had.

Nicky, the waiter, gave them their menus, smiling flirtatiously at Chloe, and trying to chat her up. Beca glared at him with such venom, once he noticed the feisty, little brunette in the corner seat, he clammed up and averted his gaze. Unbeknownst to Beca, Chloe's parents had witnessed the whole thing, too, and they shared an amused glance.

"Well, I know what I'm getting," Christopher announced, tossing the menu onto the table, not even bothering to open it.

Chloe giggled at him. "Let me guess, Chris. Your usual… pa-sghetti!" she pronounced it the way he always had as a child.

"Of course," he admitted, sheepishly, "although I learned how to say 'spaghetti' a long time ago." He gave her a playful shove.

"Jeez, bro, try branching out just a little, huh?" she teased him.

"And try what? Your favorite with the gross eggplant?" he scoffed. "I don't think so! Besides, I need the carbs."

Speaking her first words since they had been introduced at the airport, Beca blurted, "Why do you need carbs?" Boy-Chloe, as she came to think of him now, was tall, and lean, with muscular arms and very handsome. She didn't understand why he would actually need extra carbohydrates.

"Yeah, why?" Chloe echoed. "Unless… oh, my God, Chris! Did you get the scholarship?"

"Tell her, son," Mr. Beale urged, watching his boy as he proudly puffed out his chest.

"You're looking at UCLA's new running back for the fall semester," the young man said, excitedly.

Chloe squealed so loudly that the chefs in the kitchen must have heard her. "Oh, Chris! Wow, bro! I'm so proud of you!" She leaned over and enveloped him in a warm hug, much the way she did with her other Bella sisters back at Barden U. Christopher hugged her back, grateful to have such a supportive older sister.

Beca watched the exchange, happy for Chloe's brother, but also noticing something she never had before. She hugs me differently, she thought, even as she smiled at Chris and offered him congratulations as well. Chloe's hugs to her brother, and their Bella sisters were warm and loving, as were the hugs she bestowed upon Beca, but there was something more, too, whenever she embraced her beloved bestie, something longing, sensual…

"So, order the pa-sghetti, little brother," Chloe laughed. She turned her gorgeous smile over to Beca, who melted a little under her gaze. "What about you, Becs? What are you going to order, love?"

Blushing at the term of endearment being spoken in front of Chloe's family, Beca raised the menu so her face was obscured. "Oh, um… I'm not sure, Chlo," she murmured. In truth, she had been so caught up in the moment of celebration, that she hadn't really perused the menu. "What would you suggest?"

"Well, I do love the eggplant parmesan," the redhead admitted, and Beca made a face. It made Chloe smile. "Okay… are you into seafood?" She received another look of disdain. Chloe laughed. "Hmm, you like lasagna, right?"

"Sure."

"It's delicious," Mrs. Beale offered up her recommendation. "It's what I'm ordering, too. Plus, the portions are huge, so there's my lunch for tomorrow."

"Yeah, we could take ours home, too," Chloe agreed, "unless you just want to share one order?"

"Is that allowed here?" Beca asked.

"Yes. I mean, we've done it before without a problem many times. Plus, we can each get a salad, too, if that sounds good to you."

"Okay," Beca agreed, although she'd never been overly fond of vegetables. Only since she'd met Chloe and started working with her in the Bellas organization, and especially since she'd moved into the Bella house on campus, had Beca seriously started eating healthier, at Chloe's insistence. She never tried to convert her to vegetarianism- as Chloe was a vegetarian- but she did push her best friend to eat better.

"Great! Then it's halfsies for us!" And Chloe smiled lovingly at her, squeezing Beca's hand under the table.

Nicky came back, and took their orders, trying to get Chloe's attention, but Beca kept asking her questions about the restaurant instead, keeping the redhead occupied. The little DJ stared up at Nicky, and gave him a smug smirk. Though it wasn't a conscious thought on her part, Beca was basically staking her claim on Chloe, and letting the pushy waiter know it. He barely contained his sneer, as he finished up with their orders, and hustled off to turn them into the kitchen.

During the twenty minute wait for their meals to cook, the Beales, and Beca, took that time to visit and reconnect. Whenever anyone asked Beca a question about herself or what she wanted to do while she was there, Beca would answer shyly, modestly, especially regarding anything to do with her own accomplishments. Then she would blush while Chloe would chime in, singing Beca's praises. Mr. and Mrs. Beale would watch and listen, with great affection, as their daughter became so animated and excited while talking about this one, small girl from school. Neither of them had ever seen her go this crazy over any friend- or love interest- ever before. Obviously, Beca was someone very important in her life.

Asking for an extra plate ahead of time, when dinner arrived, Chloe deftly divided up the cheese lasagna, giving the slightly bigger portion to Beca. Dinner took some time, since there was a lot of visiting and laughter throughout the meal, everyone catching up, and also trying to get to know the young woman that their daughter and sister clearly adored. It was a far cry from the quiet, sensible meals Beca had ever shared with either of her parents. She wasn't much for a lot of chit chat normally, and neither were they.

Chris talked everyone into getting dessert, so they all decided on gelato. Chloe, again, asked if Beca wanted to share an order of that, as well, and Beca agreed. This time, they did not ask for a separate bowl, and instead grabbed two spoons, putting the dessert between them on the table. Both of the young women were laughing because Chloe kept trying to get the ice cream off of Beca's spoon before she could get it to her mouth. Finally, they got to the last bite in the bowl, whereupon they dueled for it with their spoons. Chloe won. She scooped it up, but offered it to Beca instead of eating it. Beca gave her friend a grateful smile, then ate it up. Neither of them noticed the rest of the Beale family- or their waiter, Nicky, for that matter, who was there to leave their bill- staring at them in surprise.

Damn, Chris thought, smiling appreciatively at Beca, looks like sissy found a girlfriend almost as hot as mine! Way to go, Choir-girl!

PP PP PP

By the time the family, with Beca, made it back home to the Beale residence, it was nearly nine o'clock. After getting up early that morning to make the flight, after the layovers and plane switching, after trying to keep themselves composed during turbulence and flirting, both of which got Beca unnerved, it was safe to say that she and her best friend were rather exhausted.

Kissing her mother goodnight, Chloe took Beca by the hand and led her through the darkened house. Beca narrowly missed running into the grand piano in the front room, and almost accidentally stepped on the family cat's tail(a sweet, old tabby, affectionately named, Muffin), but kept tight hold of Chloe's hand, who continued to guide her through what felt like an obstacle course in the dark. She brought her to a better lit staircase, which led to the second floor. On the way up, they saw Mr. Beale coming down, having just taken the brunt of their luggage upstairs with his son's help, who was already in his room, getting ready for bed.

"Got everything upstairs for you, ladies," he said cordially.

"Thanks, Dad," Chloe replied, leaning over to give him a kiss.

"Thank you, Mr. Beale," Beca was sure to add. Usually she had to really remind herself to be polite to friends' parents, but for some reason, it was coming naturally to her with the Beales. Chloe must have been rubbing off on her.

"You're very welcome, Beca. We'll see you girls tomorrow at breakfast."

"Goodnight, Dad!" Chloe replied, then tugged gently but insistently at Beca's hand, leading her up the remainder of the stairs.

Once upstairs, Beca noticed a darkened loft, with a television set and an old, but comfortable looking couch, and a few bean bag chairs. Beca could easily imagine a young Chloe having slumber parties and giggling with school friends up there.

On one side of the loft was an upstairs powder room. On the other was a long hallway. There were two doors on either side of the hallway. Chloe led Beca to the furthest one on the left. The door was pale pink and had a sign on it with bubble letters, painted with hearts and flowers and butterflies that read:

E.

"This is my room," Chloe stated the obvious, smiling sweetly, as she opened the door, and stood inside to flick on the light. "Come on in, Becs."

Beca tentatively stepped forward, into her best friend's childhood bedroom. She was met with the space that represented all things Chloe. It was perfect! The walls were a pastel pink, the furniture was white. On one wall, were painted pictures of a ballet dancer, a small child. After a closer look, Beca noticed the red hair and the features. "Hey, is that-"

"It's me," Chloe confirmed. "My parents had them commissioned for me on my eighth birthday."

"Ah… I see," Beca murmured, not even able to remember the last family picture she had partaken in, much less been the subject of artwork. The portraits were beautiful, to be sure, just like Chloe herself. "So, you studied ballet," she went on. The idea of it was just so Chloe. She recalled taking a month of hip hop dancing classes before growing tired of it, when she was eight. The contrast between she and her friend were rather stark, but it still made her smile.

"I took ballet, tap, jazz, and um… square dancing," Chloe was saying, and Beca laughed at that last one, just as Chloe figured she would. The ginger didn't mind. She rested a hand on her best friend's arm. "What about you, Becs? Did you take up ballet, or anything?"

"Ballet?" the small alt-girl laughed. "Uh, no way! I mean, no offense to you or anyone who likes it, but it's definitely not my thing. I mean, seriously, could you picture me ever wearing a tu-tu?"

"Yes…" Chloe replied wistfully, and Beca looked away in embarrassment, causing the redhead to snap out of her reverie, clearing her throat and asking, "Okay, what kind of dance class did you take, then?"

"What makes you think I did at all?" Beca challenged with a smirk.

"Because most kids did, especially 70s through 90s kids. So spill it, Mitchell. I really want to know!"

"Eh…"

"Oh, come on," Chloe pouted. "I admitted to you that I took square dancing!"

"True," the brunette chuckled good-naturedly. "Okay, yes, I did take one dance class… that I lasted at for the entirety of one month before I quit, and-"

"Hip hop," Chloe stated, scrutinizing her young friend carefully.

"Huh?"

"You took hip hop, thinking it might be a cooler alternative to tap, or jazz, or ballet… but you soon found out that it wasn't the right fit for you and you got bored with it, became restless, and talked your mom into letting you quit."

"Jesus!" Beca groaned. "How the hell do you always know so much about me, Red?"

Chloe shrugged. "I told you, Becs, I just do. I mean, you are my favorite, you know…"

"Right," Beca yawned, inwardly imagining Chloe wearing western gear and doing the dosey-doe with some hapless boy who probably couldn't keep up with her. "So… I saw your room, but where's mine?"

"What?" Chloe asked, clearly taken off-guard.

"My room," Beca repeated. "Where am I supposed to sleep, Chlo?"

"Oh, um… well, there are two beds in here," Chloe began, gesturing to the two, matching, twin-sized beds in her room, "and my grandma is coming to see us in a week, so she's going to need that other bedroom. But I figured you could just stay in here, with me…"

Suddenly, Beca's whole summer flashed before her eyes, and it was filled with trepidation at trying to stay composed and keep her weird feelings for her beautiful, best friend in check, while sharing a room with the woman who made her feel that way in the first place!

"Uh…" Beca mumbled, starting to feel a little panicky.

Chloe noticed the soon-to-be-junior's change in demeanor, and her unease at the sleeping arrangements, and it made her heart hurt. "Hey, that's all right, Beca. Let's see… I guess you can stay in here, and I can just stay in Chris' room. He has a sleeping bag I can use. Or, I can sleep in the loft area. The sofa folds out to a bed. I mean, it's not that comfortable, but it'll be fine…" her voice trailed off, and she averted her gaze, trying to hide the tears forming in her eyes.

Beca blew out a breath. This was the last thing she had wanted to ever happen. While sleeping in close quarters with Chloe every single night for three months was not the most ideal situation for her, hurting her best friends' feelings was not something she was willing to do.

"Oh, no, I didn't mean it like that, Chlo," Beca said, reaching out to touch the redhead's shoulder. "Of course, it's cool that we share a room. We've all had to sleep practically on top of each other when we're traveling for Bella performances, anyway. It will be… kind of like that… right?"

"Except Amy won't be here to fart in her sleep, Cynthia Rose isn't here to hog any beds, and Lily won't be creeping around the room at night."

"Even better!" Beca declared. "So, yeah, this will be… fun!"

"Are you sure?" Chloe asked, sniffling. "I would never want to make you feel uncomfortable."

"Chloe," Beca told her, reaching down deep and retrieving something sweet, and actually truthful from the uncharted depths of her soul, "you are the epitome of comfort. I feel… at home with you. I can be myself around you, even if I'm in a shitty mood. I know you'll always understand, and care. You're the only person who makes me feel that comfortable."

The sweet redhead still had tears in her eyes, but now for a different reason. She reached up to touch her best friend's shoulder, needing to feel the warmth of her. "Always," she agreed. "I love you more than anyone, Becs. I always will!"

"I know," Beca replied with a smile.

"C'mere, you," Chloe laughed, and she pulled the smaller woman into her arms, hugging her close. "My sweet Becs…"

Suddenly, as they were in each other's arms, looking longingly into each other's eyes, Beca became transfixed. She truly could not have looked away if she tried.

"Chlo…"

"Becs…"

"Knock knock!" Chris called, rapping on the door and opening it, barging in on the tender scene of his sister and her friend in the middle of an intense emotional moment. "Oops! Sorry, ladies. I… I just thought… maybe you could… use some extra… blankets…"

Beca pulled away, walked over to the window, keeping her eyes on the street below outside. She was too embarrassed to speak.

"Um, thanks, Chris," Chloe said after a moment of composing herself. She walked over and retrieved the blanket from her brother.

"Sorry," he whispered apologetically, "I didn't mean to interrupt anything."

"Yeah, uh, goodnight, Chris," she replied, and she gently pushed her brother out the door before closing it.

Their earlier moment now ruined, the mood having passed, Chloe made sure to play the gracious hostess. "So, um, anyway, I have my own bathroom, just over there. On my desk might be a good place to set up your laptop. You can use half my closet and my drawers for your clothes. Did you… did you want to watch a movie before bed? I have a Blu-ray in here." She motioned to her entertainment center, which featured a television, a Blu-ray player, a stereo and a couple of older gaming consoles.

"Nah, I'm fine," Beca replied, stiffly. She grabbed her overnight bag and retreated quickly to the bathroom.

Chloe sighed. She only hoped that she'd someday get another chance to show Beca how she really felt. And she hoped that the rest of their summer wouldn't feel so damn awkward between them.

PP PP PP

That first week of summer vacation felt weird and awkward for Beca and Chloe. When they were around any of Chloe's family, or out in public, they spoke cordially with them, but time spent alone together was mostly silent. Beca was withdrawn and felt unapproachable to Chloe, which was something the frustrated redhead had never had to deal with before with her best friend. And because of this, Chloe became depressed and unusually quiet.

During that infamous week, they took Christopher and his girlfriend, Alana, out to dinner. They were kind and friendly, but even Chris could sense the distance growing between them. It broke his heart.

Chloe's grandmother, Candace Beale, came to visit during that week and Beca was introduced to the feisty, old lady, nervous as can be. But the seventy-three year old was as funny and kind as she was feisty, and she quickly made Beca relax in her presence, even made her laugh a few times. But she couldn't help but notice that whenever Chloe was near, she and Beca were stiff and formal around each other, which the grandmother could not understand, as Chloe had regaled her with many a story on how close she and Beca had become over the last two years.

One time, she and Beca were talking about music, and how she used to do a lot of singing herself in her youth, and once sang back up for various members of the Rat Pack from time to time. Beca surprised and impressed her by not only knowing who they were, but also by complimenting the old lady on her own talents. That's when Chloe came into the room, and Beca, who'd been smiling and relaxed, visibly stiffened and made an abrupt exit from the scene. Of course, the moment she'd left, Chloe had broken down in tears, and fell, sobbing, into her grandmother's gnarled, but capable and loving arms.

"There now," Grammy Beale soothed her beautiful granddaughter, running arthritic fingers gently through the young woman's soft red tresses, "I had a feeling there was something amiss between you two. Come on, Cherub, you can talk to me. Why are you so upset? What's going on with you and your little Beca?"

Chloe buried her head into the elderly woman's shoulder. "No, Grammy, I can't. You… you just wouldn't understand…"

"Oh, I see," Grammy Beale said quietly. "So, you are in love with your young friend here. And even though she mentioned having a boyfriend back at school, she's in love with you, too, but she's not even close to coming to terms with that. Something obviously happened between you that's got you both very upset and feeling… strange around each other. Neither of you will talk to each other. Neither of you will take the first step to make up, and you're both dreading spending the rest of your summer vacation unhappy, broken up and lonely. But, of course, I'm just a doddering old woman, so I wouldn't know about such things…" She gave her granddaughter a pointed look.

Chloe looked up at her grandmother, her big blue eyes the size of dinner plates. "Hey, Grammy, how did you… I mean, that's right… you got it exactly! But how?"

Mrs. Beale shrugged nonchalantly. "Let's just say this isn't my first turn around the dance floor, Cherub. I know about life, love, and I certainly know my own precious grand baby."

"Wow! But… what should I do, Grammy?" Chloe dared to ask, grateful for some advice from someone that had really lived. "I love Beca so much that it hurts! But she's continually pushing me away… I wish I knew… if she did love me back, I mean, the way I love her."

"Oh, she does," Grammy assured her. "She's just got a lot of growing up to do. She also has a bit of a chip on her shoulder, even though she's a delight to be around once she let's herself just relax and enjoy another's company. But I can see the love in her eyes when she looks at you and thinks you're not looking back."

"But… then why does she get so… so… moody all of the time?" Chloe spewed forth, as if her frustration and anger and depression had sprung an emotional leak that was in danger of overflowing. "Why does she act nicely to me one day, and then act like she can't stand to be around me the next? If she doesn't want me to hug her, then why will she let me do it? She hardly even lets her boyfriend do that! And if she really loves me, why does she even need that boyfriend, when she could easily have me as her girlfriend?"

"Child, I just told you," Grammy Beale explained sympathetically. "She's young and immature. She's also obviously very unsure of her own sexuality, so she's confused by her feelings for you. And if I know you, Chloe, your love is strong and probably overwhelming to her."

"It… is?" Chloe asked fretfully.

"You know, you're a romantic, like your father," the old woman surmised. "But you're also straightforward, like your mother. Unfortunately, those two traits don't always work so well together when it comes to love. You have to put in some effort and work on your self control."

"You mean, I shouldn't hug and kiss Beca?" the tearful redhead gasped. "I don't know if I could actually give all of that up…"

"Now, I didn't say you had to give it all up, cold turkey," Mrs. Beale senior assured her. "I'm just saying to maybe tone it down- a little."

"A little?" Chloe asked hopefully.

"Chloe, my love, you have to remember, not everyone can move at your pace. Some people need more time to get used to things, to learn, to adjust, and accept. Obviously, your Beca is one of those people. Just relax a little. Let your young lady relax. Breathe. And take your time. If it's a lasting love, it'll be worth the wait."

"Right, relax, breathe, adjust… thanks, Grammy!" Chloe replied, happy for the advice from someone she considered to be very wise. She kissed her withered cheek and stood up, wanting to be off to look for Beca. But then, she thought of something, and slowly turned back around to face her grandmother. "Uh, Grammy, you know about me, I mean, you're okay with me, well…"

"Am I okay with you falling in love with another woman?" Grammy Beale asked knowingly, and Chloe nodded. The old lady took a hold of her granddaughter's hand, pulling her closer. "Chloe, I recognized and have known about that part of you since you were a small child! You've always been… special- not just for your sexuality, but in every way, and I couldn't love you any less. You're my sweet, little Cherub, and you always will be, just as you're always so dear to my heart."

"I love you, too," Grammy," Chloe whispered, tears in her eyes. She bent down and hugged the old woman tightly.

"Of course, you do, I'm a pretty cool grandma, aren't I?"

The redhead laughed appreciatively and nodded the affirmative. "You sure are!"

"That's right! Now, remember, just relax. Enjoy being Beca's friend. Before you know it, you'll be even more. But nothing will get better until you make up with the girl. So, go! Extend the olive branch. Forgive and forget. Go find her, Chloe, my dear."

"Right!" Chloe replied brightly, a look of determination crossing her features. She nodded, then walked out of the room, with a new sense of purpose.

Mrs. Beale smiled, and congratulated herself on a job well done. Then she took a nap.

PP PP PP

Chloe ventured into her childhood bedroom, the one she now shared with Beca, her quote/unquote "favorite person in the world". She found the dark-haired beauty sitting not on her assigned bed, but Chloe's. She was looking up at the posters on the wall above the bed. Joan Jett had prominent standing there, with a large poster and several smaller pictures. Cyndi Lauper, Annie Lennox, and others from various decades, also graced the wall with their own photos.

Remembering her grandmother's good advice, Chloe decided to extend the olive branch, as it were. She started by quietly approaching her friend, smiling and saying, "Hi!"

Beca, who had been lost in thought, as she'd perused the photos on the wall, was startled and nearly fell off of Chloe's bed. She rebounded quickly, standing up, feeling awkward about being caught lounging on her friend's bed. "Eh, sorry. I'll move out of your space. I didn't mean to intrude…"

Chloe moved a little closer, blocking the brunette's path, and effectively keeping her in place. "So," she murmured, feeling a little shy and out of sorts emotionally- something she wasn't overly familiar with, "you like Joan Jett, too, huh?"

Looking up at the poster of Ms. Rock 'n' Roll herself, focusing on anything other than Chloe's beautiful, but anxious face, Beca nodded. "Well, yeah! Any respectable rocker would. Kind of surprised that she's such a favorite to you though…"

"How come?" Chloe asked in confusion.

"I just never pegged you as a big rocker type," Beca said, sounding almost defensive. She stopped. She hadn't meant to do that. Even though Chloe looked like a Disney princess, and knew all of those songs, Beca knew her friend well enough to know that Chloe wasn't simple, and she had an eclectic taste in most things, including, but not limited to, music. She hoped she hadn't offended her. Mostly, she just wanted this awkwardness to stop.

Beca missed the easy rapport she and Chloe usually shared. She missed Chloe's laugh, and her sweet smile. And, if she was being truly honest with herself, she really missed the ginger's hugs and kisses and cuddles. She had taken psychology last semester and had learned that human contact with others, of the mental, the emotional, and the physical kind, were essential to good mental health. Beca would never be a mush-monster, but she did enjoy all of the closeness she shared with her bestie, and knew she really didn't want it to stop, even if she did make a fuss about it.

"I guess I'm not really the big rocker type," Chloe admitted, taking the tiniest step closer and resting a shaking, tentative hand on Beca's slim shoulder, "but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate someone who is, or someone maybe a little bit… alternative…"

Beca dared to look up into Chloe's blue eyes. They were wet with unshed tears, but also filled with love, remorse, and need. Beca could feel her own eyes filling with tears. She looked away, cursing these emotions that dared to show themselves on a regular basis now. Chloe was all beauty and light and love, and it always overwhelmed the reserved, stoic, little alt-girl.

"Chlo…" she whispered, and a tear slid down her cheek.

"Aw, Becs," Chloe whimpered. She reached for her friend, that being her first instinct, but she remembered what her grandmother had said about not everyone being able to keep up with her quick, decisive emotional pace. "Um, may I…?"

Beca nodded silently and fell, gratefully, into Chloe's loving arms. The redhead could feel her small friend crying into her shoulder, and she instinctively hugged her tighter.

"I'm really sorry, Chlo," Beca whispered, her voice muffled against the redhead's shirt. "I've been such a dick…"

"No, love, you haven't," Chloe assured her tenderly, stroking back the soft, dark locks of hair that fell across Beca's forehead. "You're my sweet, best friend."

The small brunette suddenly looked up and stared into Chloe's eyes. She sniffled, and wiped her nose on her sleeve, forcing herself to stop crying. "Am I still your favorite, though?" she asked intently.

An angelic smile spread over Chloe's full lips. "Always, Becs. Always."

This proclamation made Beca smile, too, and without a hint of embarrassment; just pure, unadulterated joy. "Thanks, Chlo. So, uh… are we cool now? I mean, I just can't imagine another day like this last week, without a certain ginger getting constantly up in my hizzy, and snuggling with me until I go out of my mind."

Chloe laughed. She gave her friend another tight squeeze. "Well, of course! That's the plan, you know, driving you insane!" She winked at her adorable friend.

Beca smiled again. "I've known you for two years now, Chloe, and I'm already half way there as it is! I'd say you're doing a bang up job!"

More laughter erupted from the two, until they heard Chris yell from the bottom of the stairs, "Hey, girl-geeks! Mom says to wash up for dinner!"

"Tell her we'll be right down, anal gland!" Chloe yelled back.

Seconds later, Chloe's mom Clara could be heard calling up to her daughter, "Chloe, don't call your brother an 'anal gland', darling!"

The two Bellas laughed even harder.

"Anal gland? Really?" Beca chuckled.

Chloe shrugged. "Well, he is. He's my little brother, after all. Have to put him in his place once in a while. Don't you approve?"

"It's disgusting," the brunette admitted, "but I give you points for originality. So, yes, I do approve!"

"Thanks! Come on, let's wash our hands," Chloe suggested, grabbing Beca's small hand in her own, and leading her to her private bathroom.

Once inside of the small half bath, they stood at the sink together, each playfully vying for the soap and trying to push the other out from under the water stream. They flicked water in each other's faces, laughing mirthfully. Then they dried their hands and started down the hall for the stairs.

Much to her never ending delight, it was Beca that reached for Chloe's hand and they raced down the stairs, together, excited to see what Mrs. Beale had cooked up for them this time…

PP PP PP

Towards the end of the month, the Beale household was bustling with preparations and activities. Young Christopher was going to prom at the end of the week, and the week after, he was graduating from high school.

Chris spent the entire day trying to convince Chloe to chaperone at his prom. "Come on, sis," he begged her for the countless time, "they need at least two more volunteers and you and Becs would be perfect for the job!"

"Perfect? As chaperones?" Chloe challenged him. "Why would Beca and I be so perfect for that?" She shooed him away from standing in front of her, so she could get to the counter and resume chopping vegetables for a salad. She and Beca had offered to make dinner this evening, to give her mom a break.

Beca, who was rinsing off some lettuce at the sink, glanced back at the Beale siblings, awaiting the next strategic move in this beggar's game.

"Well, listen, Chlo, you and Becs are adults, over eighteen, and not students, at least, not at the high school…"

"So?"

"So, even though you guys are technically adults, you're still young enough to be considered somewhat cool, you know, being in college…"

"Still young?" Chloe asked, feigning perturbation.

"What do you mean, somewhat cool?" Beca shot at him, narrowing her eyes.

"Oh, come on!" the young man groaned, "You're both in your twenties, so you don't have all that much youth cred left. And, I mean, you're in choir, so I can only give you so much cool status."

"Bite me!" Beca grunted at him, at the same time Chloe cried, "Shut up, Butt munch!"

"But you're still young enough to know how to party, and look the other way if someone spikes the punch bowl, or anyone wants to sneak off for some prom night lovin'…" Chris added, trying to rebuild the bridge.

"Gross," Chloe muttered.

Her brother rolled his eyes at her. "Oh, yeah, like you never did anything on prom night! You'd suck face with anyone back in high school, Choir-girl!"

"Don't be an ass hat to your sister," Beca told him, scowling at him, and he flinched.

"Well, for your information, anus," Chloe informed him, haughtily, "I didn't do anything with anybody on prom night!"

"Jeez, what's with all the butt analogies?" Chris groaned, feeling slightly offended. "But just because Grammy calls you 'Cherub', doesn't make you some damn angel!"

Beca wanted to get angry on her best friend's behalf, but she couldn't help but chuckle a little before Chloe gave her a warning look and said, "Bite me, Mitchell!"

"Well, Angel May," Chris continued with his plea, "could you guys puh-leeze help a brutha out and chaperone for my prom?"

"A brutha?" Beca cracked up laughing.

Chloe snickered. "Wow, all these years, and I never knew I had a 'brutha'!"

"Oh, shut up, girl-geeks!" Chris pouted.

"Name calling, a great way to get us to do what you want," Beca scoffed, and Chloe agreed by staring pointedly at her younger brutha.

"Okay, okay, I'm sorry," Chris went on, "you're both really… cool… and young… and all that shit!"

"Wow, thanks," Chloe replied, clearly not impressed.

"Chloe, come on," Christopher whined.

"Spoken like a mature, eighteen year old," she laughed.

"Chloe!"

"I will… think about it," she finally told him, in a calm, quiet tone.

"Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you, sis!" he declared in elation, feeling this was already a done deal. "And Beca, too, all right?" he added hopefully.

"Just get out of here before I make you help with dinner!" his sister threatened him, good-naturedly.

"Of course," he replied, smiling from ear to ear. "Thanks, Chlo. You rock! Well, in a dorky, a Capella kind of way…"

"Get out!"

"I'm out!" and the young man fled the scene, a hopeful feeling in his heart.

Beca had watched the exchange in amusement, shaking her head as Chris called out to them, after his departure, "Later, losers!"

"You're not going to win my vote that way, mister!" Chloe shouted back at him.

Bringing the lettuce over to the counter where Chloe sat on a bar stool, chopping up veggies for the salad, Beca sat beside her on another stool, set the lettuce to be chopped and asked, "Want me to work on your tofu, or start the chicken?"

"Would you mind putting the chicken into the oven, love?"

"Sure!"

"Thanks!"

The two Bellas continued to make dinner for the family. They worked in companionable silence for a while, until Chloe began to hum. Before she knew it, she was full blown singing, a Taylor Swift song, and Beca automatically sang along with her, the two young women harmonizing most beautifully, together. Beca caught herself smiling for no particular reason, and she realized that she was just happy. Of course, singing made her happy, but then, so did Chloe, and even doing the most mundane tasks together brought on a feeling of comfort and satisfaction that the young DJ rarely felt except with Chloe, her favorite person in the world.

Chloe's mom came in, and smiled at the girls, making sure to stay quiet and not interrupt their sweet singing. She was grateful that her daughter and her daughter's best friend were so willing to frequently help out in the kitchen with meals and clean up. And she was happy that they seemed to have worked through whatever issue that had plagued their relationship early on during their visit. She grabbed what she needed from the fridge, then left, without a word. She winked at Beca who only noticed her presence when she was on her way out.

Beca nearly melted. Jesus, she sighed to herself, I've got the hots for Chloe's mom! This is too weird, even for me!

"So," the small brunette squeaked, before clearing her throat to speak more clearly, as she tried to forget about Clara Beale, and instead, concentrate on her daughter, "what do you think about…"

"You having a crush on my mom?" the redhead asked knowingly, a sly smirk crossing her pretty mouth.

"What?! I do not have a mom on your crush!" Beca stammered, "I, uh, I mean, a crush on your Clara- mom! Your mom!"

Chloe's smirk turned into a full blown grin. "Riiiight…."

Feeling her cheeks turning pink in embarrassment, Beca made a point to change the subject. "Anyway… what do you think of your brother's idea?"

"That aliens really do live among us?" Chloe asked in surprise.

Beca rolled her eyes. "No! I'm talking about what he was asking before. You know, that he wants us to chaperone at his prom?"

"Oh, yeah… prom…"

"So, are we going to chaperone at boy Chloe's prom, or not, Red?"

Chloe laughed. "Man, he hates it when you call him that."

"Why do you think I do it?" Beca replied with a wink. "But do you want to? Chaperone at his prom, I mean?"

"Well, I would, but the question is, do you want to, love?"

"I might consider it," Beca said, "if you answer me truthfully…"

"Yes?"

"… about…"

"What?"

"… whether or not you really went all the way on prom night."

The redhead chuckled, and Beca might have detected the slightest hint of a blush on her best friend's cheeks. "As a matter of fact, no, I did not, Becs."

"Really?"

"Scout's honor," Chloe promised.

"You were a girl scout?"

"Oh, no, but I thought that was just something people said when they were swearing the truth."

Beca laughed at her friend. "No, there really are scouts. So, you seriously didn't rock the Casbah on your prom night, then?" For some reason, that news made Beca happy. She didn't like thinking of Chloe having sex with anyone other than her…. I mean with anyone, period!

"I had food poisoning," Chloe admitted, sheepishly. "The only date I could keep that night was with the porcelain throne."

"Aww, that sucks, Chlo."

"Sure did," the redhead was quick to agree. "But what about you, Becs? Did some lucky senior get to deflower the most beautiful girl in the world on your prom night?" she asked, looking into Beca's eyes with both curiosity and jealousy.

The young DJ scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Oh, please! How cliché is that? And I have news for you, sweetie, I got 'deflowered', as you say, two years before any prom. But no, I didn't go to prom."

"Oh," Chloe replied wistfully, wondering who the person was that first got to make love to the woman she loved. She hoped it was a special night for her darling Beca. She hoped that whoever it was treated her lovingly and with the utmost reverence. "Were you sick?" she asked sympathetically.

"Sick? Nah! I just thought the whole idea of a prom sounded lame."

"Lame?" the senior Bella asked, groaning, and sidling up next to her and giving her friend's bottom a smack. "Lame! That's what you called the Bellas a couple of years ago, if I recall…"

"Who? Me?" Beca said, innocently. "No, you must have me confused with someone else…"

"Oh, there's no mistaking you, Ms. Mitchell." Chloe stared longingly into her best friend's eyes, who quickly averted hers.

"So, uh, you want to go, or what?" Beca asked, staring down at the freshly chopped vegetables on the cutting board.

"Wow… this would be our first prom ever, if we go…" Chloe pondered.

"Yeah, so? Do you want to go, or not, Chlo?"

"Beca, are you asking me to prom?" the ginger gushed in spite of herself.

"Maybe I am," Beca stated shyly.

"I have to admit, it's tempting," Chloe mulled it over. "I could keep an eye on my brother… get to go to an actual prom, to make up for the one I missed. And… I'd have the hottest date there…" She smiled lustily at her young friend, who blushed under such a gaze.

"No, Chlo, that honor would be mine… I mean, if you accepted."

"How could I say no to you?" the beautiful young woman replied, and she leaned in to plant a tender kiss on Beca's cheek. "Then it's a date! Shall I go tell Chris?"

"Nah," Beca whispered, a mischievous look on her face. "Let him sweat it out till after dinner!"

The two friends laughed, evilly, together…

PP PP PP

On prom night, the Beales rented a limousine. Alana, Christopher's girlfriend, and also, a senior, was at the house, getting ready with Chloe in her bathroom. She was a tall, blond beautiful young lady, who Chloe actually used to babysit as a teen, and whom Chris had gone to school with since Kindergarten. He'd been smitten with her from the day they had met, out by the swings, and his love for her almost rivaled Chloe's love for Beca.

The two lovely young women laughed and helped each other with their hair and makeup.

"It's so cool, Chlo, that you get to finally go to prom!" Alana said, gently smoothing back the soft, red locks into a fancy hair do. She gazed upon her with the utmost love and awe. She had always adored Chloe Beale. Not only had she been her favorite baby sitter growing up, but she was just a fun, kind and inspirational person to know.

"I'm so excited to be going," Chloe admitted, giggling nervously at her reflection in the mirror. "And I'm actually going with the one person I really want to go with…" She sighed dreamily at the mere thought of going to the prom with Beca Mitchell.

Alana smiled knowingly, noticing the euphoric expression on Chloe's face. It was true love, all right. "Beca's really pretty," she told her, gently giving Chloe's bare shoulder a quick squeeze. "She's so tiny… and really funny, too!"

"She certainly is," Chloe agreed, a sweet, goofy grin appearing on her face just thinking of her prom date. She realized how goofy she looked, and turned to face Alana. "So, um, you ready, honey?"

"Almost," Alana murmured, and she reached out to take Chloe's hand in hers. "Except, I need to talk with you, if that's all right…"

"Of course! What is it, Alana?"

The young blond blushed a little, and averted her gaze, reminding Chloe somewhat of Beca. "Well, it's just… you've always been there for me, Chlo, and I think of you as a big sister to me, as much as Chris does."

"Awww, I think of you as a little sister," Chloe admitted, hugging the younger woman around her slender waist, for just a moment. "I'm honored."

"Me, too," Alana went on, basking in Chloe's praising words, even if it did make her blush a little. "So, I feel like I can talk to you about anything… right?"

Chloe wrapped a sisterly arm around Alana. "Anything!"

"Well…"

PP PP PP

Beca was pushing Chris out of the way at the sink in the upstairs bathroom. She was trying to put on her mascara, but he kept knocking into her and she barely escaped looking like some sort of a raccoon. Out of frustration, she smacked him on his well muscled bicep and told him to get bent and move!

"Damn, Becs, you're a sink hog!" he muttered back at her, trying to edge closer to get more mirror space.

"Go to the powder room down the hall!" she told him.

"No, way! That's Grammy's domain," he told her. "She keeps all of her weird… old lady stuff in there."

"So?"

"Plus, she just got out of there, andshe had chili for lunch this afternoon… two bowls!"

Beca made a face in acknowledgment, but also added, "Then stop being so damn annoying! I don't see why we have to share a bathroom at all. Why couldn't I have just shared with Chloe, like I always do?"

Chris shrugged. "I don't think we're supposed to see each other until we're ready to leave."

She rolled her eyes. "That's a wedding, not a prom, jock boy! Can't you just go downstairs then? Two bathrooms down there…"

"Why don't you go downstairs, then?" he muttered, grumbling under his breath about how annoying girls were.

"Because I don't feel like lugging all of my shit down there," she admitted, and he smirked at her.

"Neither do I. At least I'm nice enough to let you share with me, so you should be a lot more grateful. Like, maybe you could shine my shoes, or something?"

"God, Chloe's right…"

"About what?"

"You are an anal gland!"

"Hey!"

They worked in silence for another minute or two, as Beca kept trying to put on her makeup without getting elbowed in the face, as Chris fixed his hair, and then spent some time applying entirely too much cologne.

"Fine, I'm done now," he grunted at her.

"Jesus, you're not supposed to use the whole bottle at once, you know?" she cracked, getting a whiff of him.

He shook his head at her, and started for the door. "You are the meanest, little person I've ever met!" And before she could fire off a suitable retort, he left the room.

"Smell you later!" she called after him, chuckling to herself, and finishing up with her makeup.

Beca was just smoothing back her hair when there was a knock at the bathroom door. Thinking it was Chris, back to fix some last minute issue, she was about to tell him to fuck off, but the door opened, revealing Grammy Beale.

"Oh, hi, Mrs. Beale," she stuttered, unprepared to speak so nicely.

The elderly woman came into the bathroom with her, holding something obscured behind her back. "My, but don't you look beautiful, young lady," she complimented the small DJ.

It was certainly true. Beca's hair was pulled up in a classy bun, and she was wearing a lovely prom dress, dark blue in color, which matched her stormy, dark blue eyes, and hugged her curves perfectly.

"Thank you, Mrs. Beale," Beca replied, blushing a little. She gave herself one last look in the mirror and decided she was done. "So, do you know if Chloe and Alana are ready to go yet?"

"I'm not sure, honey. They're still in Chloe's bathroom."

"Man," she groaned, forgetting the company she was with, "what is it with women? How long does it take to put on a dress and some makeup?"

"I wouldn't be too quick to judge, my dear," Mrs. Beale cracked, winking at her. "You're still in the bathroom, too."

The small Bella chuckled. "Yeah, well, I had to fight Chris for the mirror in here."

"Then why didn't one of you use the powder room by the den?" Grammy asked. "Oh, wait. Never mind. The chili, right?"

"Uh…" Beca stammered.

"I love that stuff, but it doesn't always agree with me."

"Ew… I mean, oh…"

"You're right on both counts," the old lady laughed heartily, and Beca turned away, trying not to laugh along. After a moment, Grammy wiped mirthful tears from her eyes and said, "Now, down to business. Beca, did you happen to get your date a corsage at all?"

"Um… no…"

"I see."

"Do kids still do that stuff?"

"Chris got one for Alana. Alana got a boutonniere for Chris. And… Chloe bought you a corsage…"

"Shit!" Beca groaned. "Oh, um, sorry… but do you think your son might let me borrow his car to run to the nearest florist?"

"I'm sure he would. And you could do that. Or… you could go to Grammy Beale's," and she produced a small corsage box out from behind her back, and presented it to Beca.

Beca saw through the clear, plastic box, a pink carnation wrist corsage and her eyes lit up in elation and relief. "Oh, my God! Mrs. Beale, this is fantastic! You're a life saver, thank you! How can I ever repay you?"

"Just two, little things," Mrs. Beale told her. "One: always love and respect my sweet granddaughter. She adores you, as I'm sure you know." Beca nodded, and averted her eyes. "And two: give us a kiss, young one."

Smiling with gratitude, even while still embarrassed, Beca leaned over to kiss the old woman's cheek. Carefully taking the box, the young brunette raced down the stairs, hoping she wasn't keeping everyone.

PP PP PP

Beca stood with Chris at the bottom of the stairs, waiting impatiently for their dates, while arguing about what kind of music was more appropriate for a prom setting. Mr. Beale was trying to straighten his son's tie, while Mrs. Beale was already snapping pictures of them. Grammy Beale suddenly appeared at the top of the stairs, and she had to clear her throat several times before she got anyone's attention.

"May I present Miss Alana Weiss and Miss Chloe Beale…"

The foursome downstairs all looked up to the two, young women descending the staircase. Alana wore a dark green dress that matched Christopher's tie and cummerbund. The color brought out Alana's green eyes, and the dress was form-fitting around her slim waist. Chris beamed up at her, his young face full of a grown up love and reverence beyond his years. He offered her his arm, she reached the bottom of the stairs, and she took it.

"You look gorgeous," he whispered, clearly in awe of the woman he loved. She smiled, and returned the compliment.

"Oh, look at this lovely young couple," Mrs. Beale whimpered, emotionally, taking a few quick pictures of them.

Chloe was right at Alana's heels, and she came bounding down wearing a dark pink, strapless dress that stopped above her knees, showing off her delectable shoulders and her toned, lean calves. Beca couldn't help but stare in appreciation at her ravishing best friend.

"Damn, Chlo…" she whispered to herself in amazement.

Chloe smiled at Beca, rushing over and taking her hand. "Oh, Becs, you look so beautiful!"

"Um, you, too, Chloe," the small DJ admitted awkwardly, but truthfully.

The redhead squealed in delight. Classic Chloe! It made Beca smile affectionately.

"I have something for you," Chloe said, and Beca just noticed that her date was holding a corsage box in her hand. Hers contained a white orchid pin-on corsage that she deftly pinned onto Beca's dress.

"Thanks. Uh, I have one for you, too," Beca replied, in a situation that felt so completely foreign to her. She glanced over at Grammy Beale once, to convey how grateful she was to the old woman for thinking ahead on her behalf, as she handed the redhead her box.

"Oh, it's lovely!" Chloe exclaimed in delight. "Thank you, Becs!" She couldn't help herself. She leaned forward and kissed her small friend on the cheek. She opened the box, and Beca removed the pink carnation corsage, slipping it carefully over Chloe's slender wrist.

"All right, ladies," Mrs. Beale sniffled sentimentally, holding up her cell phone. "Let's take a few pictures…"

… About 300 some odd pictures later, the limousine arrived, and the foursome finally made it out the door, and piled into the back seat, waving at their parents, who watched after them, fondly, tears in their eyes.

Chloe took in the splendor of their limo. Leather seats, a small television that played video games, non alcoholic bubbly chilling in a silver bucket between the seats. "Ooh, this is nice!"

"Yeah, I could get used to this," Beca agreed, making herself comfortable in the big, cushiony seat. She smiled over at her bestie, while spying some chocolate covered strawberries on a little tray and helping herself. "Mmm…"

Chris and Alana gave a cursory glance around at the luxury surrounding them on such a magical night, then started heavily making out in the seat across from Chloe and Beca.

"What the… seriously?" Beca groaned in annoyance at the young couple.

"Gross, guys," Chloe added. "Chris, did you forget that you're actually sharing this limo with two other people?!"

The amorous couple ignored the two women and kept at it. Beca rolled her eyes, while Chloe made a gagging face.

"Yep, this is gonna be so much fun!" Beca muttered sarcastically.

Chloe sighed. "Well, you were the one who actually wanted to do this…"

"No," the young brunette argued. "I'm pretty sure that was you, babe."

"Wrong, Becs. It was you! I mean, you practically begged me to go to prom with you."

"I did not!"

"Sure, you did."

"Chloe, I don't ever beg for anything!"

The redhead sighed. "Well, you begged me to go to prom with you."

Beca shook her head. "All I did was ask you," she muttered in frustration.

"That's what I said!"

"Asking is different from begging, Red," Beca groaned.

"It's basically what I meant. I mean, potato, tomato, Beca," Chloe groaned back. "Don't be a jerk, love."

"Don't be delusional, Chlo," Beca shot back, reaching out to give Chloe's bare shoulder a playful shove.

By the time they all got to the school, Chris and Alana were just sitting there, staring at Chloe and Beca as they continued to playfully banter. They all got out of the limo.

Christopher looked back at Chloe, shooting her a dirty look. "Way to ruin a hot moment for Alana and me, sis! You and Beca can just keep your distance tonight!" And with that, he and Alana took off inside.

"Wow, Becs," Chloe laughed, taking her date's arm, as they headed inside, "Apparently, our arguing is the opposite of an aphrodisiac to the under twenty set."

Beca smirked. "Kids today. They have no respect for the classics. Come on, Red. Let's go ruin some more moods."

The two Bellas giggled, as they entered the school together.

Once inside, Chloe let out a small sigh of nostalgia. "Boy, this takes me back, Becs."

"You went to school here, too, then?" the small DJ asked knowingly.

"Yeah. Grover High, what a great school! Kind of miss this place, now and then."

"Was it more fun than Barden?" Beca pressed her, not wanting to, but feeling a little jealous.

"Oh, no! Of course not, love!" Chloe assured her. "Grover High didn't have the best music program, unfortunately. And besides, Barden U is where I first met you…"

Beca smiled, averting her eyes. "Yeah…"

"And it's the first place we showered together," Chloe added, as two other chaperones passed by, giving them a look, before hurrying into the gymnasium.

"Right…" Beca replied with a nod, her face turning bright red. "So, uh, where's the gym?"

"This way," Chloe told her cheerfully, and led the way.

PP PP PP

Beca had seen Chloe's name and picture up in more than a few trophy cases along the way to the gym. She'd done cheer leading, glee club, outreach programs, food drives, and much to Beca's surprise, she had even been part of the math club, having won several awards for Math-a-lons. She had almost questioned Chloe on her achievements, but then remembered the year before, how often the loving redhead had offered to help her with her geometry class, and had helped some of the other Bellas with their maths. Truly, this woman was amazing.

The Grover High gymnasium had been decorated beautifully, with a fun, beach theme, and lot's of sea faring décor that simply enchanted Chloe, and even had Beca smiling. In fact, before they checked in as chaperones, Chloe convinced Beca to get their picture taken together, with a guy dressed up in a lobster suit!

In spite of feeling a little like a narc, as she'd stopped more than her share of sneaky seniors, trying to spike the big punch bowls with liquor on a frequent basis, Beca was actually enjoying herself. She would nod and speak with some of the other chaperones, and would joke with the kids there, but tried her best to stick close to Chloe.

Chloe, social butterfly that she was, would sometimes wander off to speak to kids she used to babysit, teachers who once taught her, and to marvel at the beach decorations all around the gym. More than once, Beca would find her, swaying gently back and forth, to a love song being played, as she reached out to gently run her hands over cardboard palm trees and styrofoam surfboards, marveling at all of the starfish lights and coconut lanterns.

Beca found her, yet again, swaying to a sappy love song, her eyes closed, singing along, back behind the photo set up station. God, she's beautiful, Beca thought to herself, surprised by her own honesty. Feeling somewhat emotional, she made a beeline to her best friend, gently reaching out to touch Chloe's arm, aware that her eyes were still closed.

"Hey, Becs," the beautiful redhead whispered, opening her eyes and turning to face her companion.

"How'd you know it was me?"

"I know your touch," Chloe admitted, and Beca blushed over the intimacy of such a statement. "Besides, who else is going to be looking for me? Everyone else here is either dancing, trying to get drunk, or trying to get laid… or trying to stop people from doing that." She giggled.

"You mean, like we're supposed to be doing right now?" Beca reminded her.

"Yeah, but prom is almost over. Who's going to waste their alcohol on the punch bowl now?"

"True…"

Another slow song came on, this one an oldie, and Chloe perked up suddenly, taking Beca by the hand and leading into a darkened corner of the gymnasium. She wrapped her arms around the younger woman.

"Eh, Chlo…?" Beca asked in confusion. She was used to Chloe being affectionate, but not this affectionate… at least, not in public.

"I'll be damned if I don't get at least one slow dance with my beautiful prom date," she whispered into Beca's ear, pulling her even closer.

Reluctantly, Beca rested her hands on Chloe's waist, allowing the physical contact. She realized, as she swayed back and forth to the song's tender rhythm, that she had never actually slow danced before in her life. She'd always found it to be rather, well, lame. She had never let anyone talk her into doing so, not even Jesse. But… here she was, at someone else's prom, slow dancing with, who else? Chloe! It just always had to be Chloe. Always.

"Jesus, Chlo, can't believe I'm admitting this, but you're my first!"

"Hmm?"

"First time slow dancing," Beca admitted sheepishly.

"Why am I not surprised?" Chloe laughed. "Let me guess, always seemed lame?"

"Of course."

"And how do you feel about it now?" Chloe asked, reaching up to brush an errant strand of hair out of her beloved's eyes.

"It's… not as lame as I thought."

The redhead's smile was radiant. "So, I'm a good dancer?"

"The best. And what about me? How am I doing?"

The smile widened. "You're a great slow dancer, Becs."

"Well, thanks."

"Becs?"

"Yeah?" the small brunette sighed, getting caught up in the ambiance.

"Thank you for coming with me to prom."

"Thanks for saying yes," Beca replied. She breathed in the light scent of Chloe's perfume. It was intoxicating. So was the woman wearing it.

The young DJ was broken out of her reverie, when Chloe started singing along to the classic love song: "Someday, when I'm awfully low; when the world is cold

I'll still feel aglow just thinking of you, and the way you look tonight."

Beca knew the song, too, of course. She started in on the next verse:

"Oh, but you're lovely, with your smile so warm, and your cheek so soft…"

The two of them sang together: "There is nothing for me but to love you,

And the way you look tonight…"

Their eyes locked, lost in each other and the moment. "Oh, Beca," Chloe sighed dreamily, as she leaned in, her lips preparing to cover her date's.

"Chlo…" Beca murmured. She could feel the redhead's sweet breath on her face.

Their lips just grazed against each other's, when…

BELCH!

Two sets of blue eyes snapped open to see a drunken senior football player, staring at the women with lustful appreciation.

"Eww!" Chloe exclaimed, wrinkling her nose.

"Dude!" Beca muttered. "What the hell did you eat?!"

"Hey, sexy ladies, don't stop on my account! Maybe I can join in?" The large, drunken youth burped again, and swayed heavily, not to the music, but to keep standing upright.

"Fuck off!" Beca spat angrily. She shoved the big drunk jock away from she and Chloe.

"No! Fuck you, bitch!" the youth retorted, and he gave the small woman a forceful shove back.

If it hadn't been for Chloe bracing her back, Beca would have tumbled backwards to the floor. This made the fiery DJ livid with rage. She did not tolerate being pushed around. She was about to punch the big buffoon in the face, when she watched Chloe do it instead. Beca gasped, watching as the giant of a man fell to the ground, unconscious, with a thud that rivaled a fallen sequoia.

"Don't you ever touch my girl!" the redhead growled ferociously, rubbing her sore hand with the other.

"Jesus, Chlo!" Beca squeaked in surprise.

It was then they noticed a crowd had assembled. A bunch of high school students were cheering them on. But then, an adult approached to see what was going on.

"What's going on here?" Mr. Sanders, the principal of the school, demanded to know.

"These hot lesbians just beat up Ryan McTavish, sir!" one senior boy told him excitedly.

"No, no! That's not what happened!" Chloe insisted, trying to explain. "This person approached us, and without provocation, started being disrespectful and aggressive! He shoved my date! We feared for our safety and were merely defending ourselves!"

"And we're not really lesbians, or anything," Beca blurted, in embarrassment. "Just good friends…" Her voice trailed off, as she noticed everyone stared at her in confusion. Chloe was staring at her, too. But she looked more hurt than anything else.

"Everyone knows that Tav is just a big bully," a young man, wearing a tee shirt with a tuxedo jacket imprinted on it, informed the principal. He knew this from experience.

"He's also a chauvinist pig!" a young lady shouted, looking like she wanted to spit on the fallen form of the unconscious football player.

"Remember, last year, McTavish barely beat a sexual assault charge!" another girl stated.

"He got what he deserved!" someone shouted from the crowd.

"Settle down!" the principal commanded. "Jared," he called a young man from the rabble gathered around McTavish and the Bellas, who stepped forward. "Send for Mrs. Romero, the school nurse. She's at the ticket booth out front."

The kid nodded and dashed off to do his principal's bidding.

"Well, he's still breathing," someone noted, having witnessed the leviathan lumber and snore on the floor below.

Beca subtly reached for Chloe's arm, attempting to pull her out of the vicinity and hopefully away from any more trouble. Chloe shifted just before she could touch her. It wouldn't have mattered anyway…

"And you, two!" Mr. Sanders bellowed at the two women, who stared at him with fear in their eyes. "I'd like to speak with you both in my office, NOW!"

Beca gulped, looking over at Chloe. Sure, she'd been sort of a badass in high school, but she'd never actually gotten in trouble with the principal before, so this was all new territory to her. She noticed that Chloe looked, not terrified, but devastated. It confused the small brunette.

"Chlo, you okay?" she whispered, trying to ignore the disapproving look the principal was giving them.

"Right away, sir," Chloe answered, ignoring Beca's query altogether, and dutifully following Mr. Sanders.

Beca followed her friend into uncertainty…

PP PP PP

Beca, Chloe, Christopher, and Alana left the school at about four in the morning. They would have left much sooner, but Beca and Chloe had been detained by the police for questioning over the assault. Thankfully, Ryan McTavish had awoken soon after being punched out and had sobered up considerably, especially in the midst of being the new laughing stock of the school, most of which thought he had gotten what he'd deserved. After speaking to the police, he had said he would not be pressing any charges against Chloe. It wasn't because he was being understanding, or had seen the errors of his ways. He was merely humiliated about getting knocked unconscious by a thin, wisp of a woman. Plus, he didn't need to add to his public criminal record. He was sure it would come out as to why Ms. Beale had punched him in the first place.

Beca and Chloe weren't arrested, but they didn't escape the evening completely unscathed, either. Principal Sanders verbally berated them for at least an hour after the police had left. They were formally banned from ever volunteering at the school again, which, truthfully, really didn't matter, as Chris was the last attending Beale, and he was graduating next week, anyway. The one bright spot, the principal noted, sneering at the two, tired women, was that they had inspired the man to add the rule that only parents would now be allowed to volunteer at any future proms.

On the way to drop Alana off at her house, she and Christopher snuggled together, looking especially loving towards each other. Chloe knew for a fact that they had used the limo to drive down to the hotel room two blocks away, coming back two hours later, looking a little disheveled, but euphoric in a way she had never seen them. She watched them, sitting across from her in the back of their ride, her heart warming and breaking at the same time. She was currently sitting as far away as possible from Beca, who had fallen asleep on the seat near the opposite door. After a sad, frustrated glance at her sleeping form, Chloe returned her attention back to her baby brother, who wasn't so much a baby anymore…

When the car stopped at Alana's house, Chris opened the car door and walked his girlfriend up the front steps to her home. During this time, Chloe couldn't help but to give another look in Beca's direction, staring both lovingly and angrily at the small, slumbering form.

"Dammit, Becs," she whispered, more to herself than anyone else, "I don't know what to do with you, my love…"

Christopher came back to the limo a few minutes later. When he got in and sat down, he noticed that his sister was now sitting on his side of the backseat. She smiled at him and scooted over closer, squeezing his arm.

"Hey, bro."

"What's up, sis?" he asked, tenderly kissing her cheek.

"How was your night, Chris?" she asked, ignoring his query.

He couldn't stop the smile that appeared on his face. "It was… um, well…"

"You guys did it, huh," Chloe said quietly. It was not a question.

"Uh, yeah," he admitted sheepishly, but not apologetically. He couldn't wipe that smile off of his face, until… "Hey, you're not going to tell Mom, or Dad, or Grammy, are you?"

"Chances are, Grammy already knows," Chloe informed him. "Nothing gets by her."

"Ew to that, Chlo. But you promise you won't say anything, right?"

"My lips are sealed," she vowed. "So, uh… how was it, little bro? Were you good to each other? Did you feel okay about it? And you used protection, right?"

"This is a weird conversation, Chloe," Chris chuckled awkwardly. "But yes, it was good! It was beyond good, really, and so sweet. I love Alana with my whole heart."

Sentimental tears flooded Chloe's eyes. "I know you do, hon. But what about the, uh, big decision?"

"What? How did you know about that?" Chris asked, taken off guard.

"Alana talked to me about it earlier when we were getting ready."

The young man smiled thoughtfully at his sister. "Ah, well, that makes sense. Alana loves and trusts you so much. She really looks up to you. So do I, if I have to be honest."

"Oh, Chris," Chloe sniffled. "You're the best little brother ever!"

"And you're the best big sister," he replied, smiling proudly at her. "And from what I've heard, you even punched out the school bully tonight! How badass are you, Chlo!"

She shrugged, not really wanting to think of all of that unpleasantness. "Not really. It was no big deal."

"Yeah, right," he snickered, playfully squeezing her knee. "You're only the hero of the school! I will now always be remembered as the guy who's sister beat up Ryan McTavish, at prom!"

This only made Chloe feel sad again. "It… doesn't really matter. What does matter is that you and Alana…"

"We aren't breaking up," he assured her. "We had discussed doing so after graduation, see other people, since we're going to be at different colleges, but, in the end, we just couldn't do it."

"Really?" Chloe teased him. "And here I thought you two had." She winked at him.

"Smart ass," he muttered playfully. "You know what I mean! No, we didn't break up. Yes, we did do… it!"

"That's great, Chris," Chloe beamed at him, causing him to blush. "Just always remember to keep the lines of communication open. Respect each other. Honor each other."

"We will," he vowed. "But, uh, what about you, sis? How was your first time with Beca?"

She chuckled, but he sensed no mirth. "I'll let you know when we have it… if we have it…"

"What?!" Chris asked in shock. "You mean you guys haven't… you know…"

"Had sex?"

"No, I mean," he went on in embarrassment, "the girl-on-girl equivalent."

"Make love?" she tried again.

"No, no!" he groaned in annoyance. "You're both chicks, so it would be called something like 'the communing together', or the 'joining of body and soul', or some other such shit."

Chloe gave him an incredulous look. "What kind of porn do you watch, bro?"

"Shut up!" he laughed. "You know what I mean! But I'm really kind of surprised that you two haven't done anything. I mean, I know you ladies like to wait longer, but still, you've known each other for two years!"

The lovely redhead looked down at her high-heeled shoes, trying to hold back tears. "We're friends, Chris," she whispered, a catch in her voice. "That's all."

The young man looked at her in disbelief. "Chloe, no! That can't be…"

"It is."

"Really?" he asked. "But you guys always seem so… gay…"

"I'm in love with her," Chloe freely admitted, glancing over to make sure that Beca was still asleep. "I have been, desperately, ever since we met."

"Okay… then what's the problem?"

"Beca… doesn't… love me back. I know that Grammy says she does, but tonight, during prom, we were dancing. And I went to kiss her. I thought she wanted to. I mean, she looked at me like she wanted to." Chloe paused, wiping away a few errant tears.

Chris rubbed his sister's shoulder, sympathetically. "And… what happened?"

"Well, I made my move, and our lips were just barely grazing against each other, but then… that's when that big, drunken thundering oaf burped in our faces and started hitting on us! Beca told him off and she pushed him away. He pushed her back, nearly knocking her over, and that's when I saw red, and I… well, I just… punched him."

"Because he hurt your girl," he said knowingly, realizing that he would have done the same if anyone had touched Alana that way.

Chloe nodded, tears beginning to slide down her silken cheeks. "But when someone told the principal about the lesbians who'd beat the guy up, Beca denied it- the lesbian part, I mean. She made a point to tell everyone that we were just… good friends…" She began to sob, becoming less coherent, but Chris heard her when she said, "She's embarrassed of me! Of us!"

Chris looked at his sister with kindness and understanding. In spite of their constant ribbing, they were incredibly close and he felt her pain as if it were his own. He made it his mission to soothe her. "No, Chloe. No! I don't think that's it at all. She… maybe Beca is just scared, or something. Maybe she's never fallen for a woman before. But I know she's not embarrassed. She can't be! At least, not of you. I've seen the way she looks at you, sis. I bet if you just give her a little more time, she will-"

"She has a boyfriend back at school," Chloe interrupted him. "And what's worse, he's actually a nice guy!"

The young man sighed, hugging his sister closer. He whispered softly into her ear. "That doesn't mean that she doesn't want you, Chlo. I know it sucks right now, but give her some more time. Maybe she doesn't understand her feelings yet, but I can tell she has them for you. I can see it in her eyes, Chloe, whenever you're around."

The limousine stopped. They looked out to see that they were now parked in front of their house.

"Hey," Chloe sniffled, wiping futilely at her eyes, "will you wake up Beca? I just want to go upstairs to bed." And without waiting for a reply, she hastily left the limo.

"Great!" he groaned, then looked over at the sleeping Beca with mixed emotions. On the one hand, he did truly like her. She was funny and really cool. On the other hand, she was breaking his beloved sister's heart. Reaching out, Chris deftly tapped the young woman's arm. "Hey, Beca. Beca! Wake up! We're home, okay?"

The young DJ stirred, struggling to open her eyes. "Chloe?" she murmured sleepily.

"Nah, it's boy-Chloe," he said, but without humor. "Come on, we've got to get inside." Gently, he pulled her out of the door. He tipped the driver, then, ever the gentlemen, he took Beca's arm and escorted her into the darkened house.

"Where's Chlo?" she yawned.

"Upstairs, going to bed," he told her, "where you need to go." He helped her wobble up the stairs to the hallway.

"She's upset," Beca whispered, in a moment of clarity, sadness rivaling her exhaustion.

"Yeah," he couldn't help snapping at her. "Maybe you should fix that." Then he left her outside of Chloe's door, retreating to his own room down the hall.

Beca stood there in bewilderment for a moment. She realized she was tired, but she sensed that Chris was perturbed with her. Shaking her head, she quietly ventured into Chloe's dark room. She noticed that her best friend was already in bed, wearing her favorite Minnie Mouse pajamas, and nestled beneath the covers.

Without making a sound, Beca grabbed her own jammies, and hurried into the bathroom to change. She carefully hung up her prom dress next to Chloe's, on the shower curtain rod. Then she brushed and flossed her teeth, washed her face, and relieved herself. She left her corsage on the sink counter, beside Chloe's, too.

Just as quietly, Beca returned to the bedroom, retreating to her own twin bed across from Chloe's. She sat on the foot of her bed, contemplating putting on some headphones and listening to some tunes to soothe her to sleep, when she heard the unmistakable sound of whimpering. Looking over at Chloe's bed, she saw slight movement in the dark.

"Chlo?" she called out into the unknown.

No answer.

"Chloe?"

"I'm fine, Beca," she heard her best friend cry quietly back at her.

When Chloe claimed to be 'fine', she was usually anything but. Without hesitation, Beca walked over to Chloe's bed and sat next to her friend. "Hey, Red. What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Chloe…"

"Please just leave me alone!"

This response shocked Beca. Chloe rarely ever got upset with her, and she never yelled at her or told her to leave her alone. While Beca's first instinct when faced with anger towards her, was to flee or to fight back, it was different when it concerned Chloe. It was always different with Chloe.

"Beca, move!" Chloe grumbled, trying to push her friend off of her bed. But Chloe didn't push too hard, because she didn't want to knock her to the ground or hurt her. Not only that, Beca was small, but solid and strong, and not easily moved.

"No, I don't think I'm going to move," Beca replied, folding her arms, a sure sign of her stubbornness and determination. "At least, not until my best friend tells me what's wrong with her."

"Nothing," Chloe sniffled again, not sounding all too convincing.

"Nothing? Really?" Beca challenged her. "Oh, good. Then you won't mind if I sleep on this bed, with you tonight." And she squirmed, pushing as far into Chloe as she could, lying next to her on the small, twin bed.

"Stop it, Beca!" Chloe whined tiredly.

"Nope, it's slumber party time, Chlo. You always want to have them, so let's do it! Want to put on a Disney movie?"

"No! Yes! No! I mean… dammit, Becs!" Chloe groaned in frustration.

"Can't resist Disney, can you, Chloe?" Beca asked sweetly. "So, what will it be…? Hmm… 'Maleficent', or 'Wreck-it-Ralph'?"

Chloe sighed in resignation. "You pick."

"Thanks! 'Wreck-it-Ralph' it is, then!" Beca went on. She stood up, risking her space on the bed for a moment, and set up the television and DVD player, sliding in the disc. She took her friend off guard by taking a flying leap back onto the bed, causing Chloe to flinch with a loud, "Oof!" sound.

"Ouch, Beca!"

"Well, scoot over, then," Beca replied unapologetically.

"I can't! It's a twin, you know!"

Beca shrugged. "We always seem to manage sharing a bed back at school, and they're slightly smaller, so this should be easy for us, Red."

Chloe huffed at her, knowing full well they fit better in the beds at school because they cuddled and spooned one another, which she wasn't about to do now.

"Okay…" the small brunette sighed, "if you're not going to accommodate, I'll improvise." And she rested her body half on top of Chloe's, settling in and snuggling close just as the movie was starting. "Damn, but you're cuddly, Beale," Beca sighed, resting her head on Chloe's shoulder.

It took an agonizing full minute, but Beca smiled in the dark as Chloe's warm arms finally wrapped themselves around her waist, pulling in closer and tighter. It felt so warm and secure to them both.

"There now," Beca murmured. "Nice and comfy." She realized why Chloe had gotten upset with her. Beca knew she wasn't ready to have that conversation with best friend just yet, but she knew she'd needed to somehow make up with her.

She heard Chloe sigh and whisper, "Oh, Becs… why can't I stay mad at you?"

"'Cause I'm your favorite," Beca yawned, already drifting to sleep.

"'Cause you're my favorite," Chloe agreed, falling asleep just after her, the sounds of the Disney movie in the back of her mind, and the feel of the woman she loved pressed tightly against her.

PP PP PP

The following afternoon, Chris woke up in time for lunch. He was tired but hungry and dehydrated, so he got up and, after a quick pit stop, meandered downstairs to the kitchen. His parents were out grocery shopping for a pool party they were planning later that evening, but Grammy Beale was there, cooking, as she usually did.

She smiled at the young man, who was groaning, rubbing his head, and grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge, before flopping down gracelessly onto a kitchen chair.

"Well, there's the first sleepy head now," she said, delightedly, glad to have someone to cook for.

"Ugh," was his reply. He swallowed down half his water in just a few gulps. "Hey, Grammy," he mumbled. "My head hurts."

Before he could ask, Grammy Beale set a couple of Tylenol down in front of him at his place at the table. He managed a small smile, before scooping them up and swallowing them with another swig from the water bottle. Next, he was met with a plate of blueberry pancakes and eggs, as well as some orange juice.

"Thanks, Grams," he whispered gratefully, as his head still hurt, and he gave her gnarled hand a light squeeze. "This looks delicious."

"Of course, it does. I made it, didn't I?" she was confident enough to brag. (Chloe got her culinary talents from this same woman.)

"Mmm, blueberry! My favorite!" he sighed happily.

"Don't speak with your mouth full," Grammy warned him.

"Sorry."

"So, Christopher," she went on, as he continued to wolf down his generous portion of deliciousness, "did you have a good time at the prom last night, dear?"

"Yes, ma'am," he told her. "Thanks for asking. It was fantastic!" And he thought back to his precious time spent at a fancy hotel room with the love of his life, giving him a feeling of euphoria.

"Did you drink too much?" she wanted to know. He appeared to be in the throes of a hangover.

"Oh, no! No, ma'am," he promised. "I mean, I did drink a little bit, because, you know, someone always spikes the punch, but I just had two cups of it, and that's all."

"I believe you, dear," she replied, scrutinizing him carefully. "Did you take any recreational drugs, by chance?"

"What? No! Of course not," he told her, daring to look slightly offended by her query. "Grammy, I just got a football scholarship! I would never do anything to jeopardize that!"

"Good. Good to hear," she went on, as if visualizing some sort of check list in her head. "Now, did you at least use protection?"

"Of course, I did," Christopher sighed, before realizing what he'd said, then blushed crimson. "Uh, I mean, huh?"

"Chris…"

"Yes," he finally admitted, averting his gaze.

"Excellent!" Mrs. Beale crowed happily. "So how was it, young man? Were you gentle with her?"

"What the…? Grammy, please!"

"Were you?" she repeated.

Knowing there was no way out of this, no matter how much he stammered or how red his cheeks grew, he rubbed his face in his large hands and said, "Yes, of course, I was."

Grammy Beale had the habit of being a little too nosy, mostly, at least in her opinion, to look after her beloved grandchildren, even if it didn't seem that way to them at the time. But the one thing about her was she never betrayed a confidence. Never!

Calming a little, Chris added, "I promise, Grammy, we used protection. And she was okay. I was okay. We love each other and even though we're going to different colleges in the fall, we're determined to make things work."

The old lady nodded in approval. "Very nice. I'm glad for you, dear."

"Thanks, Grammy."

She regaled him with a bit of confusion then. "But if you're not hungover or strung out on drugs, why do you have such a headache, boy?"

"Probably on account of how late we got back," he sighed, already feeling better, the Tylenol kicking in, and now with a full belly. "Don't tell Mom or Dad, but we were nearly two hours past curfew! Chlo and Beca got in trouble! Oops! I mean… crap! Oh, jeez, Grammy, please don't tell Mom and Dad about that. I wasn't supposed to say anything…" He shook his head at his own lack of control.

"In trouble?" Grammy asked in alarm. "My little cherub? What did they get in trouble for? Indecent exposure? Were they caught doing something sexual?"

"What? Gross, Grammy! No!" Chris exclaimed, looking quite scandalized at her. "Nothing like that! Chloe told me they were about to kiss during prom, and some jerk named Ryan McTavish started harassing them. He's on my football team. He's a complete douche, Grams, I swear! Anyway, I guess Beca gave him a shove to go away, but instead he shoved her back. Chloe wasn't cool with that, and she punched the guy out."

"Really?" Grammy asked excitedly. "They were about to kiss, you say?"

"Grammy!" Chris laughed at her single mindedness. "Well, at least now I know where Chloe gets her craziness from!"

"Watch it, young man," Grammy teased him. "I can still remove you from the will."

He chuckled harder. "Sorry, Grams. But anyway, after all the commotion, Chloe and Beca were detained by the police, and the principal!"

"Were they arrested?"

"No, just questioned. But they did get banned from ever chaperoning at Grover High again. I think the principal, Mr. Sanders, was harder on them than the police ever could be."

"Oh, dear," Grammy Beale sighed in amusement.

"But then… Chloe got upset with Beca," Chris went on, his face losing all sense of mirth. "She was crying on my shoulder on the way home."

"Why?" the old lady asked in surprise. "What happened?"

Chris looked down at his empty plate, not able to look his grandmother in the eye. If he did, he might make her cry… or he might cry, himself. "People saw them about to kiss, Grammy. I guess Beca got all embarrassed, got freaked out because they thought they were a gay couple."

Grammy shook her head, sad and disappointed. "I really do love Beca. She's darling, but she does need to pull her head out of her ass once in a while…"

"Grammy!" Chris cried in shock.

"Sorry. I shouldn't have said that," the woman amended. "But she is hurting my cherub."

"Yeah, I know," Chris sighed in agreement. "I hate to say it, but I got really annoyed with her last night, too, for making Chloe cry."

The old woman nodded her head, as if she'd made up her mind about something. "Why don't you go wake them, sweetie? Tell them I have breakfast- er, lunch ready for them. And then we'll pull Chloe aside and let her know that Beca and I can switch sleeping arrangements."

"Really?"

"It may be for the best. Chloe might need a sympathetic ear."

"Yeah, you're probably right," the tall football player nodded. "All right, I'll go get them up now, Grams."

Wiping his mouth with a napkin and setting his plate in the sink, Christopher ventured upstairs, going slowly down the hall towards his sister's bedroom. He made it to Chloe's closed door, and debated whether he should knock or not. Since he figured they were most likely still sleeping, he went ahead and quietly turned the knob, opening the door just a few inches. But he paused when he heard voices… speaking softly, singing, laughing…

The television was on, and he could see "The Little Mermaid" playing on the DVD player. He looked at Chloe's bed, thinking that maybe the voices he heard had come from the movie, and that she had put in on to soothe herself to sleep the night before. But he saw Beca's dark hair resting against Chloe's stomach.

"Huh?" he whispered in confusion.

Chloe was gently running her fingers through Beca's dark, messy locks. "You know, you remind me of Ariel, a little bit," she was saying.

"Me?" Beca shot back, sounding almost insulted. "But you're the one with the red hair!"

"But she has a rebellious streak to her," Chloe reasoned. "And she's strong-willed, like you, Becs."

"Me? Rebellious?" Beca scoffed. "I don't think so, Red."

"You totes are, love."

"Am I? Well, if I'm any kind of 'rebel', I'm more James Dean, than Little Mermaid," the small brunette informed her, haughtily.

The beautiful redhead laughed appreciatively at her friend's humor. "But could James Dean sing like an angel? No, you're definitely more Ariel, than 'Rebel Without a Cause'!"

"That does it!" Beca exclaimed, pretending to get angry, and she turned over to tickle Chloe mercilessly, causing her friend to giggle hysterically.

"Beca! No!" Chloe squealed with laughter, halfheartedly trying to push Beca's hands away. "Don't! Stop!"

"Don't stop?" the little DJ cracked. "Okay…" She tickled her friend even more intentlyfiercely.

Chloe finally got the upper hand by positioning herself on top of Beca, but it took some effort to grab the smaller woman's hands, holding them down. "Gotcha! No more tickles, Becs. Please! I'm seriously about to pee myself!"

"All right, I give," Beca chuckled, and Chloe let go of her hands, trusting her to keep her word.

But she did not move right away, instead remaining on top of her, gazing down at her most adoringly. "I love you, you know."

"I know," Beca replied, channeling her inner Harrison Ford.

"But do you… love me, too?" Chloe asked, shy and vulnerable. "I mean, at all, even as friends?" She couldn't look her friend in the eye.

Beca knew this would be a pivotal moment between them. "Hey, Chlo, look at me," she said, reaching up a hand to gently guide her bestie to do just that. "You know how I'm your favorite?" Chloe nodded silently. "Well, you're more than just a friend to me. You're my favorite, too. Did you know that?" This time, she merely got a noncommittal shrug from the redhead, who looked away again. Beca guided that beautiful face back to focus on her once more. "Well, you are, my favorite, I mean. And um, you know how we always love our favorites, right?"

Tears flooded Chloe's bright blue eyes. A few escaped and splashed down on Beca's cheeks. "I do. I love you, Becs!"

"I love you, too, Chlo."

There had been no denial, no hemming and hawing. No sarcasm. Just frank, and to the point, a declaration of love. Chloe felt elation, and she leaned down to rub noses with that favorite of hers, before kissing it.

"Jeez, Chloe!" Beca groaned, annoyed and embarrassed. "Why would you want to kiss my nose anyway? It's stupid looking!"

The perennial senior shook her head. "No, it isn't! It's the cutest nose I've ever seen!"

Beca tried to hide the fact she was blushing furiously by arguing with her. "Cute? No, Chloe! I think you're mixing up 'cute' with 'badass'!"

"You're capable of being both," Chloe informed her friend. "That's why you're my hero, and my cute and cuddly little squish!"

The small DJ rolled her eyes, but she wasn't upset or offended. Just a little embarrassed. She quickly changed the subject. "Hey, let's say we just spend the day in here and watch movies, or listen to music?"

"Ooh, sounds aca-awesome!" Chloe exclaimed happily, excited at the idea of having a day with just nothing but Disney and Beca, all to herself. "We can stay in our jammies all day and cuddle!"

Beca smiled in spite of herself. She would never admit it out loud, but that sounded just as heavenly to her as it had to Chloe. "Sure," she said, "but can we watch a few movies that aren't Disney, too, maybe?"

"You mean Pixar?" Chloe replied in confusion.

Chuckling, Beca replied, "I was thinking something with a little more edge to it."

"Touchstone?" Chloe asked, referring to another Disney owned studio.

"Are they even around anymore? No, I mean don't you have anything more… grown up? Obscure? A nice psychological drama, perhaps?"

"Like… 'Toy Story 3'?" Chloe tried again.

Beca laughed out loud. "Ah, yes, 'Toy Story 3', 'A Clockwork Orange', 'Silence of the Lambs'. All so provocative."

Chloe thought about it. "Well, Chris has 'Silence of the Lambs'… oh, and he has 'RoboCop', which he's been trying to get me to watch for years."

"RoboCop?"

"But can we still watch 'Finding Nemo' sometime today?" the redhead asked hopefully.

"Deal!"

Chloe kissed Beca's forehead, before getting up off of her and the bed.

"Hey, where are you going?" Beca wondered, already missing the feel of her, the weight of her lithe body on top of her own.

"Well, I have to get the movies from my brother's room. Plus, I'm starving, and I swear I can smell Grammy's famous blueberry pancakes coming from downstairs, so I want to grab some for us."

"Pancakes sounds good," Beca sighed, taking a deep whiff and getting a hint of the heavenly scent herself. "Want some help?" she asked, jumping up out of bed, and coming over to Chloe's side, who was currently putting on her slippers.

"Sure, love! We're Bellas, so we know how important teamwork is!"

"Agreed," Beca replied, smiling indulgently at her beautiful friend.

Chris quickly and quietly shut the door to his sister's room, and hurried into his own, having felt a little guilty at listening in so long to their conversation. He just had to be sure that things were all right, and that Chloe was okay. Apparently, she was. So much so, that he was already planning on giving them a hard time about borrowing his movies, hoping to strike a deal that they help him wash his car later…

PP PP PP

The next week, the house was bustling with activity, again, this time for Christopher's high school graduation. The family was preparing to leave for the ceremony. Afterwards, they would return to the house for a big graduation party, to be attended by family and friends. Beca was a little nervous. She didn't take kindly to strangers. But Chloe knew this and had already planned for limited face time with a bunch of people that were there to celebrate Chris and his accomplishments, anyway. She and Beca were going to hole up in her room, so Beca had a chance to work on her music, and Chloe had a chance to go over some ideas for next year's Bella performances.

Carl Beale was helping his son straighten his tie, while just having fixed his own. Grammy Beale, dressed nicely in what Chloe secretly called old lady chic- much to Beca's amusement- was taking pictures of the graduate with her new cell phone. Beca was also downstairs, wearing a form-fitting, dressy pant suit that she always liked and that she knew Chloe really "appreciated" her wearing from time to time. It hugged her butt and her curves quite nicely.

"Now, hold still, boy!" Grammy was saying, holding the phone up close to her face. "I want to get a nice picture this time."

Christopher sighed, but stopped what he was doing and posed for the picture. Grammy pushed the button, and the young man went back to fussing with the tie his dad had just adjusted. "It's kind of tight," he complained.

"Dammit!" Grammy Beale exclaimed, and everyone stopped to look at her and make sure she was okay. "I just took another picture of my own face!"

Chris laughed out right, and Mr. Beale swatted his head. "Mom, you need some help?" he asked.

"I can help," Beca volunteered, coming over and taking the phone from the elderly lady, then turning it around and handing it back. "Try this."

Old Mrs. Beale aimed for her grandson again, and smiled in delight. "There! I see him, Beca!" She took the picture. "Now, show me how to edit! I want to add a cap to his head."

"Grammy, just wait, and then I'll put one on," Chris told her, chuckling.

"Oh, all right…"

"Hey, Mom, hurry up!" the graduate bellowed up the stairs. "Bring Ape-Face with you!"

"That 'ape-face' crack better not have been for Chloe," Beca warned him, her blue eyes narrowing at him.

Chris smiled. Not only was he not intimidated by this five foot two, little alt-girl, he did find it endearing how protective she was of his sister.

Before he could rib Beca and tease her about her tininess, everyone heard Chloe yell, "Shut up, Penis-Breath! We're almost done!" down the stairs.

Beca couldn't help but to laugh, guffaw, actually, at the nick name. She'd grown rather comfortable around the Beales by now, so things like talking, sharing, burping and laughing at Christopher's expense she did openly.

Turning to stare in offended perturbation at Beca, Chris whined, "Hey! That's way worse than 'Ape-Face' in my opinion!"

The small DJ just shrugged, trying to keep her giggles in check.

"Honestly, people," Mr. Beale groaned, feeling the stress of the day, "can we at least pretend that we're civilized human beings?"

"Good luck with that," Grammy Beale laughed.

"What did you say, Daddy?" Chloe asked from upstairs.

"He said for you to stop being a jerk and shut up!" Chris yelled back at her.

Beca shoved him on the arm. "Bite me, anal gland! He did not say that!"

"Christopher," Mr. Beale also scolded him sternly.

"Dad! Beca just told me to bite her and called me an 'anal gland'! Why aren't you yelling at her, too?" Christopher demanded. Obviously, he was nervous and his anxiety was up. He normally wasn't this whiny.

"Beca was defending your sister."

"Yeah, but my sister called me Penis-Breath!"

Mr. Beale rolled his eyes, wanting this conversation to end. "Deal with it, son," he sighed. "You're a high school graduate now."

Chris blew out a breath of frustration, while Beca smirked at him.

Finally, the two Beale women came downstairs. Both of them wore flattering dresses. Mrs. Beale's hair was up in a simple, but classy bun, and a form-fitting red dress. Chloe, in a soft, cotton, floral print dress, her hair flowing freely, red curls bouncing most fetchingly about her shoulders with every step she took, made Beca feel weak in the knees.

Chloe made a beeline for Beca, but Chris stepped in front of her before she could, his face in a scowl. "It's about time, Girl-Geek! You take forever!"

"You don't even have your cap and gown on yet," she retorted, "and you're griping at me for taking too long?"

"Oh, yeah! Shit!" Chris grabbed his mom's hand and lead her to the kitchen. "Mom, can you help me put those on? I want to make sure the cap is straight…"

Both Grammy Beale and Mr. Beale looked at the two, beautiful, young ladies, about to tell them how lovely they looked, but they noticed how they only seemed to have eyes for each other.

"Becs, you look beautiful!" Chloe whispered, taking her friend's hands into her own.

"You look gorgeous, Chlo," Beca replied, appreciatively.

"Thank you!" Chloe beamed at the compliment, and both her father and grandmother realized just how much Beca's words and opinion mattered to her.

"Let's get a picture, girls," Grammy Beale suggested, and the two women turned towards her, arms wrapping around the other. "Smile!" They both offered up dazzling, toothy grins, and Mrs. Beale hit the button. Then… "Dammit! I got me again! Carl, help your mother out, please!"

"Sure, Mom," he replied, hurrying over to help her, while Beca and Chloe could hardly keep in their laughter at an old lady's expense.

Carl Beale took the phone/camera from his mother and snapped a picture of his daughter and her best friend. "Very nice," he said, showing Grammy.

"Take one more," she suggested, and he did so, only to catch the two, young women, as they were turning to face each other, accidentally pressing lips together. That's the picture Grammy ended up with. "Say, that's a winner!" she declared happily.

Both Beca and Chloe giggled in embarrassment. "I was going to kiss your cheek," Chloe told her, blushing slightly.

Beca was completely red faced. "I was going to ask you if I could borrow some of your lipstick," she admitted sheepishly.

"Looks like you did," Grammy said with a wink, turning around as Clara Beale returned to the living room with her son, Christopher, the triumphant graduate.

Mrs. Beale announced, "May I present Christopher Robert Beale… college bound, and high school graduate of Grover High!"

Everyone cheered as Chris swaggered onto the scene, wearing his cap and gown and looking very proud of himself. "Hail the conquering hero!" he crowed.

"So modest," Mr. Beale laughed affectionately.

All three of the Beale women began to tear up.

"Look at our boy," Grammy Beale beamed.

"You look so grown up," Clara Beale sniffled proudly.

"I'm proud of you, little brother," Chloe told him, pulling him in for a quick hug.

"Thanks, sis," he replied, feeling a little choked up himself, bending down to squeeze her back and kiss her cheek.

Beca watched the scene. So much love, so much emotion, so much… as Amy would say, they were in danger of summoning the Schmaltz police. Still, she approached the embracing siblings and gave Christopher's shoulder a playful punch. "Congrats, dude!"

"Aw, c'mere, short stuff," the handsome young graduate sniffled, pulling Beca in for a bear hug that nearly overwhelmed the tiny DJ.

"What do you mean, 'Short stuff'?" she groused.

PP PP PP

Grover High School wasn't a particularly large school. Therefore, Christopher's graduating class was relatively small in comparison to larger campuses. Merely two hundred and fifty students were in his class, which made the ceremony mercifully shorter than most schools.

Beca was grateful for that. She was happy that her best friend's brother was experiencing such a milestone, but ceremonies like these always bored her nearly to death. She sat next to Chloe, as the sentimental redhead watched, with tears of pride in her big blue eyes, her baby brother reach this moment, which had culminated from years of hard work and dedication. While she sniffled- and when Beca glanced down the line at the rest of the Beales, they were all equally tearful- the small DJ reached out and took hold Chloe's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. Chloe squeezed back. To Beca, Chloe had never looked so beautiful.

The rest of the summer was much less eventful, but breezed by quickly- too quickly for Beca's tastes. It all became a blur. There were pool parties, beach parties, Fourth of July picnics and a grand fireworks display (one that had actually impressed the normally jaded sophomore), a few quiet days spent up in Chloe's room, watching Disney movies, or working on her music. It was blissful, and Beca kind of wished the summer would never end.

The last hurrah of the season was signaled by a small, family only, back-to-school (and farewell) dinner and get together. Good food, good company with a great family that Beca had come to love and appreciate, and then one last night snuggling and giggling, and receiving kisses and a massage in a tiny twin size bed with the delectable redhead called Chloe. It was a bittersweet moment for all of them, clinging to one last night of family togetherness before there would be tearful partings and painful goodbyes. Obviously, emotions were running high at Chez Beale, and Beca was getting lots of hugs and kisses and compliments and "I'll miss you's" from the entire family.

Before she knew it, Beca was up and saying goodbye to Christopher and Mr. Beale, who was driving his son to his first semester of college in nearby California. While she didn't cry, she still felt the sting of their departure, as Chloe clung to her side, crying quietly into her shoulder. And later that same morning, there was more of the same when it came time to take Beca and Chloe to the airport for their flight back to Barden University.

Grammy Beale, already overcome with emotion at saying goodbye to her grandson, who she would not see for months, now had to do the same for her little Cherub. She hugged Chloe tightly, kissing her smooth rounded cheek, kissing her warm hands and the soft red tresses. She also held tight to Beca, offering her up nearly as much affection, much to Beca's surprise. The older woman was too upset to drive with them to the airport, so it was only Chloe's mom, Clara, who would be driving them.

"Now, you're sure you have everything, girls?" the concerned mother asked, up until the time they were a block away from the airport.

"We got it all, Mom," Chloe assured her. "And even if we didn't, you can mail it to us with our prom dresses."

"You have the corsages, though, right?"

"Got 'em," Chloe replied. "And packed carefully away, just like you showed us."

"Well, all right, then…" A beat. "But did you safely pack Beca's laptop? You know how carelessly the luggage gets tossed about at airports!"

Before Chloe could reply, Beca touched her hand and handled this one herself. "It's good, Mrs. Beale. The way you showed me how to pack it worked out perfectly. I really appreciate it. I was a little worried myself about it, but now I think it will be okay."

"Oh, well, good, Beca, I'm glad to hear it," Mrs. Beale replied brightly, happy to have been helpful.

They arrived at the airport, and Mrs. Beale insisted on parking the car and helping bring the luggage in to be checked. Chloe had argued that Mrs. Beale would not be permitted to go up to the gate with them, so she could go ahead and leave, but Mrs. Beale insisted on seeing the plane take off before she'd step one foot out of the airport. After that, neither Beca or Chloe fussed or argued with Mrs. Beale. They realized she wanted to spend time with them up until the last second.

Once the luggage had been checked, and they'd had time to grab a quick coffee from the airport's little Starbucks shop, and it was time to head up to the gate and prepare for boarding, Mrs. Beale gave Beca a tight hug. "I love you like one of my own, darling. Please take care of each other and stay safe." She slipped a twenty dollar bill into the small brunette's unsuspecting hand.

"Oh, um, thank you, Mrs. Beale, I… love you, too," Beca stammered, unable to look into those teary green eyes without crying herself. She glanced down at the money. "You don't have to…"

"Yes, I do, Beca. And I hope to see you back on your girls' next big school break, okay?"

"Really? Thank you, Mrs. Beale!" And Beca hugged the woman once more, even accepting a kiss or two.

Chloe returned from the bathroom, and practically leapt into her mother's open arms, sobbing loudly and hugging her tightly. "I love you, Mom! I'll miss you so much!"

"I love you, precious girl. And I'll miss you! You'd better get back here as soon as you're able!" She slipped a twenty dollar bill into her daughter's hand, just as she'd done with Beca.

"Thanks, Mom! Love you. I'll see you soon, I promise!"

With great reluctance, and regret, a teary eyed Chloe and her teary eyed mom let go of each other and parted ways, Mrs. Beale soon to be back out to her suddenly very lonely car, and Chloe sobbing against her best friend's shoulder.

"This is always the hardest part," the redhead whispered sadly. "Saying goodbye."

Beca nodded. She'd never been overly sentimental about goodbyes herself. She hadn't cried when she'd gone to college and left her mom back home alone. She hadn't even cried when her father had walked out of the family home for the last time. She had always been strong, tough, stoic. But she understood Chloe's anguish. The Beale family was very close. And somehow, they had made Beca an honorary member of their clan. While she wasn't sobbing like Chloe, she definitely had tears in her eyes. The feeling was foreign to Beca, and made her feel a little uncomfortable, so she concentrated her efforts on consoling her beautiful friend.

"It'll be all right, Chlo," she soothed, stroking back Chloe's hair, wiping tears from her face. "We'll see them again, soon."

Chloe nodded, sniffling and squaring her shoulders, determined not to cry on the plane. She forced herself to stop as they began boarding.

Soon, they were seated in first class, buckling in and halfheartedly listening to the flight attendant do her spiel in the front of the plane.

Beca leaned closer and whispered, "You know, your mom invited me back to stay with them again. I guess I did all right, then, huh?"

"Of course, you did!" Chloe responded, giving her friend a squeeze. "Honey, they all love you almost as much as I do!"

"Really?" Beca asked in a tiny voice. Normally, she didn't give a rat's ass whether someone else's family liked her or not, but it seemed important this time.

"Really," the gorgeous redhead assured now. "But… did you have a good time with us?"

"Are you kidding?" the little DJ exclaimed. "You Beales spoiled me! Great food, nice restaurants, parties, the beach, the pool, movies, a limousine, the… prom…"

"Prom," Chloe repeated wistfully, no doubt wondering what might have happened had they not been interrupted by a drunken football player.

"Yeah, about that," Beca said quietly, "prom, I mean… Chlo, I know I hurt you that night, and I'm really sorry for that. You have to know that hurting you is something I never wish to do. I guess I just panicked, or something, and I acted like a fucking idiot. I just… I just…" She struggled with finding the right words.

"It's all right, Becs," Chloe saved her from having to continue. "I'm just glad I finally got to go to one. And, I was so happy that the person I got to go with was you." She took Beca's hand in her own.

"Me, too," Beca agreed, grateful for Chloe's understanding nature. She was grateful the young woman was so gentle, and forgiving, and loving. Basically, she was just grateful for Chloe, herself.

The plane suddenly lurched to life, and Beca tensed up, as she always did. Chloe managed to get herself even closer, wrapping her arms around her quaking friend, hugging her tightly. They didn't speak for a long time, but sometimes, Beca reasoned, as she buried her face against Chloe's breast, actions speak louder than words. Actions like a comforting embrace, and tenderness shared... and boobs in the face.

PP PP PP

Back at the Bella house, thankfully on solid ground, Beca was happy to be home again, even though she knew she would look back on this summer with fondness and a longing to return. She and Chloe planned on getting some dinner out that evening, with the money Mrs. Beale had so generously given them, and then maybe a movie. But first, they had retreated to their separate rooms to unpack.

Amy was there in the room they shared, lying on her bed and eating a smelly, drippy sandwich while listening to music. "Hey!" she called, excitedly, jumping up and crushing Beca in a bear hug that only Amy could give. "The wayward Bella has returned!"

"What's up, Ames?" Beca wheezed, trying to breathe. She gently pushed the exuberant Aussie away, catching her breath. "Did you have a good summer?"

"Of course I did," Amy told her. "Got laid pretty much every night!"

"Oh. Well, that's… awesome…" the brunette stated awkwardly at such information.

"Yeah, aca-awesome!" Amy agreed, puffing out her chest with pride. Then she looked at her roommate with a scrutinizing eye. "So, what about you and little Red? Did you two have a gay, old time?"

Beca averted her eyes. "Ames…"

Chloe walked in, saving Beca from having to answer, and upon seeing Amy, she gave her friend a big, happy hug. "Amy, it's so great to see you! I've missed you!"

"Feeling's mutual, Beale."

The redhead's attention reverted to her beloved bestie. "Oh, Becs, I called Mom to let her know we got home okay."

"Good. How's she doing?"

"Still pretty weepy, but she's already planning our next trip. We can get back there at Christmas, right?"

"Definitely!"

"Anyway, she's already getting our prom dresses dry cleaned, and then she'll mail them."

"Ah, nice. I'm sure we can find occasions to use them again."

"Right! Oh, and, um…" Chloe looked slightly embarrassed, but continued, "she did mention that we… well, we broke the bed. She said there was a big crack in the headboard and the frame was uneven."

Beca avoided the look she knew was on Amy's face, and instead focused on the hand sculpture she had stolen from Kimmy Jin last year at the end of school. She noticed Chloe rifling through her suitcase.

"Aha!" the beautiful redhead exclaimed in triumph! "My bra! I was afraid I'd left it back home."

"No, I found it next to my computer last night, and just crammed it into my suitcase," Beca replied.

"Thanks, love!" And Chloe smiled adoringly at the little DJ. "Oh, so I will meet you downstairs in twenty minutes, okay? Are we going to Wendy's or Pizza Hut tonight?"

"Actually, I thought I'd splurge and treat you to Olive Garden," Beca said, trying to sound suave. "I know it's not as swanky as Antonio's, or anything, but I still have the money your mom gave me, so…"

"Aw, that sounds perfect! I'll buy the tickets to the movie, then, with the money mom gave me!"

Beca blushed. "You don't have to, Chlo."

"I want to, Becs."

They both smiled lovingly at each other. Chloe leaned over and gave Beca a quick kiss on the lips, which was reciprocated, quite willingly, by the small brunette. Chloe turned to leave, stopping to plant a friendly kiss on Amy's cheek, before bounding down the stairs and out of sight.

There was a long silence that ensued, which mostly consisted of Amy staring pointedly at Beca, and Beca trying like mad to look at anything but Amy. Finally, the Australian broke the silence.

"So, you have a gay, old time?" she asked again.

"Okay, it might have been a teensy, tiny bit… gay…" Beca admitted sheepishly, holding up two fingers closely together.

"Uh-huh," the blond laughed. "You're so full of it, Mitchell!"

"Full of what?"

"Shit and rainbows," Amy replied, sniggering.

Beca made a face, and then unpacked, looking forward to her "date" with her favorite…

Chapter Three: Jeepers-Creepers Junior Halloween Histamine!

It was getting close to Halloween and the Bellas were all preparing for the big costume party and performance contest for all of the a Capella groups on Barden's campus. Of course, they would not be wearing matching outfits for this show. Everyone had their own sense of style and their own idea of what an epic Halloween costume would be.

Chloe had asked Beca, back in early September, if they could go as Romy and Michele from the movie Romy & Michele's High School Reunion. She had been so excited over this inspiration, and had ran the idea by Beca, who… visibly blanched at the thought. Chloe had been disappointed, until Beca had quickly suggested that they go as Agents Mulder and Scully from The X-Files, instead.

"You could be Scully, the hot redhead," Beca had explained, staring at her friend with appreciation. "And plus, Scully is really smart! The smartest character on the show!"

Chloe grinned from ear to ear, understanding the underlying compliment hidden in her best friend's words. "You think I should be the smart one?"

"You are the smart one, Chlo," Beca told her, touching her arm, "and a hot redhead, too! You're perfect for Scully, I swear! So, what do you say?"

"Yes! Oh, Becs, this will be aca-awesome! I can't wait!"

Beca had smiled, happy to have appeased her beautiful friend, as well as getting out of dressing like Romy or Michele.

But a week before Halloween, Jesse called Beca and asked what matching costumes they should get.

"Um, I kind of already promised Chloe that I'd be Mulder to her Scully," she let slip.

"Beca! Why did you do that?"

"Well, we planned this over a month ago."

"Look, Be-Caw, I know you love Chloe," Jesse began, and Beca nearly blurted, "How did you know?" But thankfully, before she could, he continued, "I know she's your best bud, and all, but I'm your boyfriend, so I think I should have the edge here."

"Uh, yeah, you're right… I guess…" Beca mumbled into the phone.

"Great! So did you want me to pick us something up, or should we meet at the costume shop tonight?"

"I have rehearsals tonight, so just go ahead and pick something."

"Sure, babe."

"Oh, but Jess?"

"Yeah?"

"Nothing slutty, okay? At least, not for me. It could be a good look for you though."

He laughed. "Hmm, not a bad idea. I do have the legs for it. Later, Be-Caw!"

"Later."

Beca sat there on her bed for a moment, feeling like the biggest asshole on the planet. Of course, she should have talked to Jesse first! He had a point. He was her boyfriend, and he should have been the first person she thought of for a 'couples costume'. But Chloe was… well, Chloe, and she always thought of her first for most anything.

"Shit!" the little DJ hissed.

"What's up, Becs?" Amy asked, coming up the stairs to their shared loft bedroom.

"Nothing…"

"Yeah, sure, nothing," Amy chided her. "You're just fond of randomly yelling the word 'shit', right?"

"Actually, yeah," Beca admitted sheepishly.

"Give it up, Mitchell. What's wrong?"

Blowing out a breath, Beca knew if she didn't go ahead and spill the beans, Amy would just hound her until she did, anyway. "Jesse just called to say he wants to do a couples theme for our costumes for Halloween this year."

"Oh? Sounds… cool… I suppose."

"No, it doesn't!" Beca groused. "Because I already promised Chloe I would dress up with her over a month ago! I mean, we even have the costumes already!"

"Hmm, that is a dilemma," Amy said, sounding a little too sarcastic to be sincere. "So, your boyfriend wants to play dress up with you on Halloween, but you already promised your girlfriend you'd do it with her instead?" Beca nodded sadly. "God, Mitchell, you're so gay!"

"Wouldn't that be considered more 'bi', or even 'poly'?" the small brunette muttered.

"Whatever! Either way, you're going to have to make a choice, aren't you? Like I've been saying all along… Personally, I'd go for Chloe, if I were you. She's hotter, and she cooks for you."

"Amy, you're not helping!" Beca snapped at her. "What do I do?"

"You'll have to tell Chloe," Amy sighed, knowing that she would never stand her ground with Jesse.

"Tell me what?"

Beca and Amy spun around, gasping. There was the beautiful Chloe in question, dressed in her newly arrived Agent Scully outfit.

"Chlo!" Beca exclaimed in alarm.

"Hey, Chloe," Amy said, smiling sympathetically at her. "Ah, don't you look like the FBI's most hottest!" And Beca nodded enthusiastically in agreement.

"Oh, thanks, Amy! Just trying on my costume. Does it look all right? Seems a little snug across the chest though, doesn't it?"

"A bit," Amy admitted.

"Yeah…" Beca sighed dreamily, momentarily forgetting herself. "I mean, yeah, it does. You should probably return it."

"But Becs, there's no time for that! Halloween is in a week, honey, and we ordered our costumes online, remember?"

"Oh, yeah… well, maybe I should call Jesse. He could probably find costumes for both of us and himself as… as… the Three… Three…"

"Musketeers?" Chloe asked.

"Blind mice?" Amy suggested.

"Amigos!" Beca chimed in, desperate to think of something, recalling an old movie that she used to watch with her parents, during simpler times…

"Who are they?" Chloe asked in confusion.

"Oh, wait! How about The Three Stooges?" the blond Australian tried to help out.

"Shut up, Ames."

"The Three Stooges?" Chloe balked. "Beca, what is going on here?"

Beca looked down at her shoes, unable to look her best friend in the eye. She just couldn't! "Um, look, Chlo, I know I said I'd be Mulder with you, but…"

"But what, Becs?" Chloe demanded to know, those big blue eyes narrowing at her little favorite. "This was your idea, if you recall."

Amy shook her head sadly. Beca had really painted herself into a corner this time!

"Well, you see… I, um… had forgotten that I had already… promised Jesse about… three months ago, that I'd dress up with him. I- I'm so sor-"

"Oh, no, it's all right, Beca," Chloe murmured. She forced herself to smile, even though tears were glistening in her eyes. "I mean, you did promise him first, right?"

"Uh… right…"

"And he is your… your… um… Hey, I need to… go… I have to get ready for rehearsal tonight."

"Oh, right. Yeah, us, too," Beca agreed. She smiled as well, but it did little to hide her self-disgust at hurting the woman she loved best.

"Okay, I'll see you girls, later," Chloe said, dejectedly, heading back for the stairs.

"Chloe, I really am sor-" Beca started to say, but Chloe didn't stop to listen. "Fuck!" she exclaimed, once the beautiful redhead was out of ear shot.

"Holy shit, Becs," Amy said in shock, "you lied to Chloe! You actually lied right to her sweet, little angelic face! I can't believe you did that! Why did you do that?"

Beca gave her a nasty look. "Well, I couldn't exactly tell her the truth now, could I?"

"Which truth are you referring to now? It's kind of hard to keep up with them all, sometimes."

"That Jesse expects me to put him first!" she grumbled.

"But he is your boyfriend, after all. Isn't that supposed to be an automatic given, anyway?"

"Sure, in normal circumstances maybe, but this is… this is Chloe, for Christ's sake!" And Beca sunk onto her bed, head bowed in guilt and grief.

"Jesus, Becs," Amy sighed, looking down at her pathetic friend with pity. "Just break up with Jesse, already!"

"Huh? Wh- why?"

"Because," Amy muttered, stating the obvious, as she headed downstairs, "you already have a significant other."

Though she'd never say so, Beca knew Amy had a point.

PP PP PP

The Bellas were all at rehearsal at the Bella Hall, with the noticeable exception of Beca. She was already five minutes late. This, of course, put Chloe into a panic.

"I thought she was with you, Amy!" the redhead said, her voice getting more shrill and fearful with each word spoken. "Where is she? Why didn't you keep track of her?"

Amy shrugged, definitely not enjoying having this anxiety-filled Chloe all up in her hizzy this way. "Uh, she just said she had to make a quick stop somewhere before rehearsal and she would meet us here. That's all I know. And anyway, I'm not her damn keeper, you know. Beca is technically an adult, even if she doesn't always act like one."

Some of the other Bellas laughed. Chloe, however, was not amused.

"Please refrain from laughing at your co-captain, ladies! And Amy, what a mean thing to say! My- I mean, our Beca is as grown up and level-headed as she is beautiful!"

The Bellas all began to sigh, or shake their heads. They knew that Chloe couldn't be completely blind to all of Beca's faults. But when it came down to it, she adored the younger women, and it didn't matter if Beca was surly, or impatient, or a pain in the ass sometimes. Chloe loved her, unconditionally, and that's all there was to it!

"Uh, Chloe," Stacie spoke up, "Beca is only five minutes late. That's not a catastrophe. Just saying."

"Yeah, give her a few more minutes before you call out the National Guard," Cynthia Rose joked.

"It's not like she fell into a bottomless pit, or anything," Jessica added.

"What?" Chloe gasped, her active imagination taking over. "Oh, my God!"

"Relax, I think the bottomless pit is at LSU," Ashley reasoned quickly.

Chloe sighed, trying to force herself to calm down.

"If you are that paranoid about it, why don't you just put a GPS tracker on her," Flo suggested, and nobody really knew whether or not she was kidding.

"Now, really, Flo," Chloe muttered.

"How about a cat bell?" Lilly whispered, and the redhead gave her a dirty look.

Before Chloe could chastise the strange Bella, Beca walked in, coughing and wiping her nose with a tissue.

"Oh, Becs!" Chloe cried in relief, rushing over and hugging her. "I was so worried! Where have you been, love?"

"Damn, you're such a wife!" Cynthia Rose laughed.

"It's been all of thirty minutes since you've seen her last," Amy pointed out.

Beca sneezed against her best friend's shoulder. "Oh, sorry, Chlo!"

"It's all right, sweetie. But where were you?"

"Uh… stopped to get some cough drops." And then Beca coughed for good measure.

"Oh, no! Poor Becs!" Chloe cooed sympathetically, resting a gentle hand on the little DJ's arm. "You have a sore throat?"

"Since when are you sick?" Amy demanded to know. "I just saw you, like fifteen minutes ago, and you were acting just fi- mmph!" The Australian shut up, as Beca had subtly kicked her in the shin.

Chloe put her hand on Beca's forehead. "Well, you do feel a little warm… Does anyone have a thermometer?"

Stacie rolled her eyes. "Like who carries one of those around, Chloe?"

"I have one," Lilly whispered.

"Um, that's okay, Lilly, thanks anyway," Beca said kindly, but quickly. She loved Lilly, but God only knew why the strange woman would have a thermometer on her, or where she had put it beforehand.

"Maybe we should cancel rehearsal…" Chloe murmured, mostly to herself, but all of the Bellas heard her, and they gasped, or muttered in disagreement.

"What? Just because Beca sneezed?" Stacie asked incredulously. "Come on, Chloe! That's way over the top… even for you!"

"In my country, there were no sick days," Flo told them. "You could rest when you were dead!"

Amy scoffed at the over-dramatic Guatemalan.

"Chloe," Beca said, calmly, taking the redhead's hands into hers, "I'm fine, okay? I just have the sniffles. I can still sing and dance, no problem. I swear!"

"You sure?" Chloe asked fretfully. She rubbed her hand deftly up and down Beca's back. The other girls smiled knowingly.

"Yes, Chlo, I promise. I'm fine."

"Well… all right," Chloe reluctantly gave in. "But if you start to feel weak or feverish at all, you take it easy and sit out for a while."

"I will, Chlo, thanks."

"Hey, wait a minute," Cynthia Rose interrupted the tender scene, "last year when I twisted my knee, you still made me go through all of the dance routines!"

"But we let you go at your own pace," Chloe replied brightly.

"And when I had that ovarian cyst burst a few months ago," Stacie added, "and I couldn't even walk upright, you still made me sing, and you laughed at my appearance, and said I looked like a damn hunchback!"

"I believe the correct term was The Hunchback of Barden U," Amy pointed out, helpfully.

"Shut up, Amy," Stacie shot back, scowling at the rambunctious blond.

"Well, in all fairness," Chloe replied, "you were kind of walking and standing like… Quasimodo…"

"That's it!" Stacie muttered, her mood going from bad to worse at the recollection. "You're going down, Beale!"

"Only on Beca," Cynthia Rose cracked, and a few others joined in on the laughter.

Beca gave the black beauty a dirty look, before stepping in between Stacie, who was still fuming, and Chloe, who was practically cowering. "All right, that's enough of this bullshit! No one looks like a hunchback, no one will be fighting, and no one will be getting any extra breaks! I just have the sniffles, guys! No big deal, okay?"

The Bellas nodded, backing down to her authority. Chloe rested a hand on her beloved Beca's shoulder and said, "You're right, love."

"Great!" Beca stated, trying to boost the morale in the Bella Hall. "Then let's get to work! We've got a lot to cover tonight. Besides, nobody gets sick on Halloween!"

PP PP PP

Four days later…

"Oh, my God! I am so sick, and it's almost Halloween!" Beca groaned, sitting on the big sectional couch in the Bella house common room.

"Oh, boo hoo!" Cynthia Rose muttered, as she had the feeling Chloe was about to cancel that night's rehearsal.

"Oh, stop, Cynthia Rose," Stacie scolded her, reaching out her hand to feel Beca's pale, clammy forehead, which felt moist and hot. "Beca really does look pretty bad. And she sure feels hot!"

Chloe came into the room. "Who's hot?"

"Beca."

"Well, of course, she is," Chloe replied matter-of-factly. "I mean, we're all beautiful here. It's just that Beca is the hottest!"

"You're the only one who thinks that!" Cynthia Rose groaned. "But we're not talking about looks, except to say your little wifey-poo here looks as sick as a dog!"

"Oh, Beca!" Chloe exclaimed in alarm, just now seeing her best friend, as she lie on the couch, moaning most pathetically. Chloe slid down on the couch beside her and held the small woman lovingly in her arms. She kissed Beca's forehead, offering comfort, as well as gauging her temperature with her lips. "Honey, you're burning up!"

"Well, there goes rehearsal," Flo sighed sadly.

"No, it's okay," Beca wheezed, trying to sit up. "We can still have it. In fact, we should leave now…" And the junior started hacking, falling back into Chloe's embrace.

"Becs," Amy told her, "you look like hell!"

"I'll be fine," Beca promised, trying to stand again, but again coughing and falling back onto Chloe's lap. She started to shiver.

"Oh, darling," Chloe cried in concern. "Practice is canceled," she announced, looking worriedly at her best friend and secret- to no one- crush.

"Chloe, I'm all right, I swear," Beca vowed, then started coughing some more, which lasted an agonizing amount of time. "I can still go…"

"But Becs," Chloe informed her, running a cool, gentle hand over her beloved's brow and cheek, "you're having bad coughing spells, and you're probably running a fever. Hey, could someone please fetch me the thermometer?"

Lilly took off like a flash into the kitchen, where there was a medicine and first aid cabinet, full of band-aids, ointments, Tylenol, allergy and cold medicines, and the thermometer.

"Um, hey, Red," Amy suggested carefully, "what if the rest of us Bellas just went to rehearsal and practiced the routine, you know, just to stay fresh with the steps and the song?"

Swallowing a lump in her throat, Chloe looked up at her, heartbroken. "You mean go without us, your co-captains?" She looked like she was ready to cry. She had never missed a Bella rehearsal, not in all of her six years here at Barden University.

"Uh, yeah, but then that would free you up to nurse the short stack here back to health… all alone… together in the house…" Amy reminded her, trying to sweeten the deal.

Beca smirked at Amy, just as Chloe's eyes lit up in realization. "Go!" the redhead declared fervently. "Yes, you girls should practice, stay fresh! Just have someone fill in for Beca and I, as we have solos. Oh, Jessica and Ashley, you two can."

Everyone stared at the two, normally ignored Bellas, in surprise.

"Us?" they asked together.

"Who's going to be you, and who is going to sing for Beca?" Stacie asked.

"Eh, Jessica, you can be me at rehearsals," Chloe stated. "And Ashley, you were especially productive in helping me clean the kitchen earlier, so you get to be Beca!"

A few of the Bellas laughed at Chloe's reasoning. The smitten redhead truly did think Beca was the greatest thing since sliced bread. It made the young DJ blush.

"Okay, have a good rehearsal, then," Beca choked out, waving them away.

Lilly returned with the thermometer, and then followed the others out the front door.

"Wait, Lilly!" Beca called hoarsely. "Is this our thermometer, or yours?" But Lilly hadn't heard her. She glanced over at her friend with glassy eyes. "No offense, Chlo, but I'm not using that thing until I know who's it is."

"Understandable," Chloe agreed. "But maybe I should make a doctor's appointment for you tomorrow."

"I'm sure it's just the flu…"

"You had your flu shot a month ago, remember? The same time I did."

"Then maybe it's a cold?"

"I don't think you usually run a temperature with a cold, love," Chloe told her.

"A virus then," Beca sighed, rubbing her itchy, sore nose.

"But a virus could be serious, Becs."

"Chloe," Beca groaned, rubbing at her temples, "no doctor, please! I'll be okay. I'm sure I just need some rest and maybe a little…"

"A little…?"

Beca averted her eyes in embarrassment. "Maybe I just need a little TLC…"

"Aw, Becs, you can count on me for everything!" Chloe vowed. "I should start by taking you to bed… eh, I mean, get you into bed- um, I mean, put you to bed!"

The little DJ smirked at how flustered Chloe was becoming. The redhead always loved doting on her, and cuddling her, and especially, sleeping with her in the same bed.

"I will snuggle you, and sing to you, and read to you, and make you hot tea and chicken soup, and put a cool compress on your forehead, and…" Chloe was prattling on.

"Chlo!"

"Hmm?"

"You had me at 'snuggle'," Beca admitted shyly.

Chloe simply gushed at her, then helped her sick, little friend up and guided her to the stairs.

PP PP PP

"Sigourney Weaver is badass," Beca was saying, smiling at how warm and content she currently felt.

"Badass as Dana Barrett?" Chloe asked in surprise, as they watched the 1984 comedy classic, Ghostbusters.

"Yeah. I mean, she's Sigourney Weaver, Chlo. That automatically makes her badass, no matter which character she's playing."

"True," Chloe agreed.

The two young women were holed up in Chloe's bedroom, snuggling together very closely under the covers, nearly squishing each other in the twin sized bed they were sharing.

"You know," Chloe murmured, stroking Beca's hair back with deft fingers, and massaging the younger woman's scalp, "it's too bad we didn't think of having Jesse buy us all Ghostbusters costumes. I could have made some proton packs out of construction paper and shoe boxes!"

Beca, who was seated in front of Chloe, resting between the redhead's splayed legs, smiled at the very idea. "I'm sure you could have, Red. I know you're very creative with stuff like that… but, uh, you're way too pretty to be a Ghostbuster. You could have been Dana Barrett, though…"

Chloe warmed at the compliment. "Maybe we could do that next year?" she suggested.

"Mmm, maybe," the little brunette yawned, turning and leaning back to nuzzle Chloe's neck with her nose.

"That tickles, Becs!" Chlo giggled, but she didn't push her away. Instead, she sighed happily at the intimate contact. "Oh, hey! Did you want any more soup, love?"

"Nah, I'm full, thanks."

"Did you need any hot tea with honey and lemon?"

"Maybe later."

"Well, what about a back rub?"

"Oh, uh, yeah, sure…" Beca replied shyly. "That would be nice." She tried to sound cavalier about it all, but in truth, she was desperate to feel Chloe's hands on her body.

"Okay, love, scooch forward, just a little," Chloe instructed her, and Beca reluctantly did so, already missing the feel of the beautiful redhead's breasts pressed against her back.

It was a fair trade off, though, as now Beca felt Chloe's talented, deft hands rubbing and kneading gently into her soft, tender flesh, massaging her neck, back, and shoulders. Beca moaned in contentment, her head lolling in gratification. "Oh, yeah, Chlo…" she whispered unthinkingly.

"Does that feel good, darling?" Chloe whispered back, softly into her ear, and Beca could have sworn Chloe had gently blown into it.

"So good," the small brunette sighed, feeling more loose and free, her body and mind reacting to her best friend's touch in more ways than one, all of them pleasurable.

"You're so beautiful, sweetheart," Chloe breathed heavily against her hair, obviously getting as turned on as Beca was during this most intimate of moments.

"Jesus, Chlo, so are you," Beca groaned. She leaned back, pushing her back against Chloe's breasts, which were pert and erect in arousal.

Beca turned her neck further, and looked into Chloe's large, blue eyes. Her pupils were dilated, and her cheeks were rosy in desire, and the young DJ could swear she'd never seen anyone look more beautiful in her life.

They both leaned in closer to each other, lips about to touch…

"Uh, isn't she sick?" came a voice from the doorway. "Probably shouldn't be doing that right now, Beale."

Of course, it was Amy, who wore a most amused expression on her smirking face. She seemed delighted to be catching her favorite closet cases, poised for a romantic, heated lip lock.

"Fucking Amy!" Beca seethed through gritted teeth, surprised by the interruption, quickly turning to anger. "You ever heard of knocking?!"

"Didn't think I had to, you know, walking in on two Bellas who are just 'best buds'," Amy cracked. "Damn, Beca, your nips are erect and tingling, I'll bet." She winked at the fuming junior.

"Well, mine are, too!" Chloe insisted, as if making this declaration would make the situation any better. It didn't. It only made Beca blush, and Amy laugh loudly.

"Oh, I bet they are, Beale! Boy, you two are the gayest 'straight women' I've ever met!"

"Shut up, Ames," Beca grumbled, folding her arms across her chest.

"So, I take it you'll be bunking in here tonight, then?" Amy asked, wiping tears of mirth from the corners of her eyes.

"Well, yeah," Beca muttered at her. Not only did she love sleeping with Chloe in her bed, there was no way in hell she'd go back to her room tonight, and listen as Amy would undoubtedly tease her mercilessly.

"Good, then you can give all your sickie germs to Chloe instead of me!"

"Fine!"

"Or did that sensual back rub burn off all those germs? I mean, it was pretty hot…"

"Uh, goodnight, Amy," Chloe said sweetly, trying to get the Australian to leave her room, as she could see she was angering her beloved Beca.

But Amy didn't take the subtle hint. Subtlety was not her strong suit. Instead, she kept ribbing her roommate. "Hey, Becs, I bet you went from feeling hot and feverish to hot and bothered! Am I right?"

"Get the fuck out, Amy!" Beca replied, much less sweet or subtle than her co-captain.

"Damn, don't be so bitchy, Mitchell," Amy groused. "Maybe if you relieved some of that sexual tension, you might actually feel better."

"Get out!" Beca yelled, leaning down to grab one of Chloe's Stitch slippers and hurling at her nosy friend, who dodged it by slamming the bedroom door shut.

"Oh, my!" Chloe remarked. "She's like a whirling dervish sometimes, isn't she?"

"She's more like a fucking pain in the ass!" Beca spat angrily. "Dammit! Why does everyone have to pick on us like that, anyway? It's not just Amy who does it, you know."

Chloe shrugged. "I know. But I don't get it, either."

This made Beca laugh for some reason. She leaned back against Chloe again. "Eh, maybe we should just call it a night, huh? What say you, Chlo? You tired? I know I am, and I should probably get some sleep, anyway."

The redhead sighed quietly, slightly disappointed on how things had turned out, but she feigned cheerfulness, and quickly switched gears, going back to nurse mode. "Yes, you're right, love. You do need lots of rest. It will help you get better. Is there anything I can get you before we go to sleep, though? Tylenol? More water?"

"No, I'm good, Chlo. Thanks."

"Of course."

The two young women adjusted their positions. Chloe turned off the bedside table lamp, and the room went dark, save for the glow of the television, still displaying Ghostbusters. Chloe spooned in behind the woman she loved, nuzzling the nape of Beca's neck. "Becs?"

"Yeah?" the brunette yawned, smiling contentedly and almost asleep already.

"I want to kiss you goodnight."

"Sure…"

"On the lips?"

Worried that Amy might come back, or another Bella might poke her head in and find them smooching, Beca went with the "sick" excuse. "Yeah, but Chlo, we really shouldn't. Don't want to get you sick, too. Then where would the Bellas be, hon?"

"I still want to kiss you goodnight."

"Well, kiss my cheek, or something," Beca murmured, trying to get back to La-La Land.

"Can I kiss your… neck?"

"Uh… sure…" the little DJ said, more awake now than ever, and more unsure how this might turn out. Neck kissing could be a very sensual act.

Chloe moved Beca's hair aside, exposing the long, thin lines of the younger woman's neck. She leaned down, placing a very slow moving, open mouthed kiss on Beca's soft, smooth flesh.

"Oh, God! Chloe!" Beca gasped, surprised and now incredibly turned on.

"You taste good, love," the Bella senior sighed against her skin.

"Oh, God! Oh, God! Uh, Chlo…?"

"May I give you a hickey?" the redhead asked suddenly.

"But, what if somebody sees it?" Beca argued feebly, thinking of getting ribbed by Amy or the other Bellas, or worse! What if Jesse saw it somehow?

"I'll make it a small one," Chloe promised.

"Yeah, but…"

"I'll keep it under the collar line," she vowed.

"Um… well… okay…" Beca finally agreed, having no other reason not to. Plus, this would be covering new ground in their relationship. While she and Chloe had cuddled and giggled, and given little kisses here and there, they had never pushed the envelope this far before. Beca was as curious as she was terrified by this turn of events.

Once given permission, Chloe wasted no time in opening her mouth against Beca's quivering skin again. It was already wet from the kiss, but was about to get a lot wetter… a lot! Chloe's mouth closed over the sensitive flesh at the base of Beca's neck, suckling firmly, but gently.

Beca had never felt so sensual, so desired, so… sexually charged in all of her young life! Chloe didn't just give her one, hard suck and be done with it. No! The redhead continued to suckle, but also paused to run her talented tongue along Beca's neck, and to graze the skin ever so slightly with her teeth. Beca moaned so loudly, she was sure the sorority house down the street must have heard her.

"Beca," Chloe whispered, now flicking her tongue against the brunette's earlobe, "I love you so much, darling. I need you…"

"Me, too, Chlo," Beca replied shakily. She could not believe how quickly and desperately things- and need- had escalated so fast and so far!

Preparing her mind for the possibility that she and her best friend might cross that 'friendship' line right then and there, the heavily aroused junior was startled when her phone began to ring. "What the?" she muttered. "Who would call me at this time of night?"

"It's not even ten o'clock, love," Chloe told her breathlessly. "But please, ignore it! We're embarking on something beautiful!"

As much as she wanted to ignore it, Beca just couldn't. Not only did people rarely call her, as she preferred to just text, but she had also told people- with the exception of her mom, and Chloe, of course- never to call past 9:30 pm, so she feared it could be an emergency.

Without looking at the caller ID, she reached in the dark for her phone, and answered it, sounding sleepy and annoyed. "Who is this?" she demanded to know.

"Be-Caw! Hey, it's Jess!" her boyfriend's chipper voice came through the phone. "What's up? I haven't heard from you in days, and then I have to find out from one of your Bella buds that you've been sick? Why didn't you call me?"

"Uh… had a sore throat," Beca told him, coughing into the phone for good measure. "Guess I just haven't felt much like talking."

"Oh, sorry, Becs. That sucks."

"Yeah, sure does… so um, what did you need, Jess? Remember my 9:30 rule? I was nearly asleep."

At the mention of his name, Chloe had tensed up behind her friend, and the redhead extricated herself from Beca's form, causing her to feel instantly cold and bereft.

Jesse talked to Beca for a few more minutes about the costumes he had found, then asked if she needed him to bring her anything for her illness. She told him that she was good.

Before hanging up, he replied, "All right, sleepy head. Get some sleep. Love you, babe."

The small DJ squinted her eyes shut in grim anticipation at having to do what she was about to do. She knew it was going to hurt her beloved Chloe. "Eh, love you, too." She could hear her bestie crying quietly behind her. "Fuck!" she muttered, after setting the phone back on the bedside table and turning to comfort the injured party.

Chloe had her back to her now, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs of anguish. "I'm fine, Beca," she whispered.

"No, no, Chlo, you're not, hon. Please talk to me, okay? Even if you want to yell at me. Just don't shut me out."

"I… can't do this, Beca. Not right now. Not tonight," Chloe whimpered, keeping her distance.

"Hey, we can talk tomorrow, if you want," Beca replied soothingly. She rubbed the redhead's back, only to see the muscles tighten up through her night clothes. "Would you hold me though?"

"Beca, please…"

"Well, could I hold you, then?" the little DJ asked hopefully. She knew she had not only ruined another precious moment with Chloe, but had hurt her, yet again. It made her feel like shit.

Chloe did not answer, so Beca took it as a yes. She settled down into the bed, spooning in behind her slightly taller companion, carefully wrapping her arms around the older woman's waist. It was on the tip of her tongue to say, "I love you, Chlo," but she stopped herself, feeling such words would ring somehow hollow, or carry a sting, to her friend at that time.

They quickly fell asleep, physically touching, but emotionally, a million miles apart…

PP PP PP

The next morning, Chloe had composed herself again. She was smiling and friendly and extremely attentive to Beca, still just as loving and affectionate as ever.

This had happened before between them. They would have a true, intense moment of closeness, or intimacy, just as they had done the night before. But inevitably, something would happen, they would be interrupted, or, just as likely, Beca would panic and pull away, unable to handle all of the feelings and desire churning just beneath the surface whenever she shared special moments like that with her beloved bestie. Chloe would then pull back, as well, needing some time to regroup, to protect herself from the pain of rejection. But within a day or so, she'd be back to her old self.

"How are you feeling today, Becs?" Chloe asked her sweetly.

"Throat hurts bad," the young DJ admitted, her voice husky. "Are there any cough drops left?"

"A few," the redhead told her. "I'll get you some more today."

"You don't have to," Beca sniffled most pathetically.

"It's no problem," Chloe replied. "I've got to grab a few things for the Halloween bash party, anyway. It's tomorrow night, remember? And I… need to find a new costume…"

"Oh, Chlo, why don't you still be Scully?" Beca pleaded, in between coughs. "I mean, you rock as Scully!"

"You said the costume was too tight in the chest area!"

"Yeah, but in a good way," the small brunette assured her, giving her a flirtatious wink.

Chloe smiled sadly. "But Mulder or Scully without the other just isn't… complete. You said so, yourself."

"Oh… yeah…"

"But it's all right, Beca. I'll find something. So, um, what are you and… Jesse going to be?"

Beca sat up with a groan, reaching out a hand, which she knew Chloe would take to help steady her. And she did, of course. "I probably won't go to the party, Chlo. I mean, it's tomorrow, and I feel like hell!" She hacked for a couple of minutes, sounding like a 75 year old smoker.

"I'm sorry," Chloe sighed quietly. "But who were you planning on being?"

"Bonnie and Clyde," Beca wheezed, rolling her eyes.

"Classic couples costume," Chloe murmured, unable to look her friend in the eye.

"Cliché couples costume," Beca amended with an irritable groan.

"You could have gone as Caesar and Cleopatra," Chloe mentioned.

"Nah, that runs the risk of showing too much skin, and you know I'm not into that."

The elder Bella nodded. "Mickey and Minnie Mouse?"

Beca chuckled until she coughed. "I think that's more your style, babe."

"Edward and Bella from Twili-"

"Lame!" the junior interrupted, looking almost offended.

"Fred and Wilma Flintstone?" Chloe tried again, with a shrug.

"No," Beca chuckled again, this time trying to keep her voice low, so as not to start coughing. "I mean, as far as lame, cliché couple costumes go, Bonnie and Clyde is fine… it's just that… can I be honest with you, Chlo?"

"I prefer it that way!"

Smiling lovingly at her gorgeous best friend, Beca reached out and took her hand, even as she had a hard time looking her in the eye. She was about to reveal something deeply personal, and from the heart. She always had trouble with moments like these, but she pushed herself to do it, for Chloe. "I… I mean, it's just that… everyone keeps saying that I should be Bonnie. They say that I should even want to be Bonnie, and that Bonnie and Clyde should come first above all others. Know what I mean?"

"Um…"

"But the truth is, Chlo, I would rather… just… be… Mulder. I mean, I want to be Mulder. I want to be with Scully. That's all I want right now. Is that… wrong?"

"I… don't know… what… oh!" Chloe's blue eyes lit up in realization. "You mean me? You want to be with me?"

"Well, you are Scully," Beca reminded her, purposely trying to keep things vague. She had another long coughing spell, that practically tore up her throat. "Damn, that hurts! But guess none of that really matters, anyway. I'm sick as a dog. I'm not going to be Bonnie or Mulder. Not this year…"

"I'm sorry, love."

"God, I feel like dying!" the younger Bella announced dramatically, falling back on the bed again, resting her head on Chloe's pillow. She looked for a tissue, but when she couldn't find one around, she snorted up what was in her nose.

"You won't though," Chloe replied, reaching out to caress her best friend's pale cheek. "I'm going to take care of you until you're all better, and well enough for that party."

"I don't think that's going to happen, babe," Beca told her realistically. "Halloween is tomorrow, and I look half dead!"

"I think you look beautiful," Chloe cooed at her.

"Whatever, Chlo," she said, rolling her eyes. "I saw myself in the mirror when I was in the bathroom a while ago. I seriously look like something from Night of the Living Dead!"

"You're still gorgeous to me, no matter what," Chloe assured her. "But hey, it's Halloween! Won't looking half dead be a good thing?"

"Not when I feel dead completely!"

"So, you won't go at all?" The redhead looked quite deflated.

"Honey, I can't," Beca groaned, tiredly. "I mean, look at me, I'm… I'm… ah… ah… ah-choo!" And she sneezed all over the front of Chloe's pretty, white blouse. "Oh, shit, I'm sorry, Chloe…"

"Uh, that's all right," Chloe said understandingly. "I probably shouldn't be wearing white after Labor Day, anyway!" She jumped up and flung her off her blouse, tossing it effortlessly into her hamper. Standing in her bra, she glanced through her closet, and perused her choices. "Let's see… what's a good color to wear the day before Halloween…?"

"When you wear black, you look hot," Beca murmured under her breath, staring longingly at her topless friend.

"What was that, love?"

"I said that… I was hot," Beca stammered.

"Just a sec, and I'll turn on the ceiling fan for you. Hmm, now, let's see…"

"You look gorgeous in anything," the small brunette whispered, marveling at the lacy, blue bra her best friend wore. It looked most fetching.

"What did you say?"

"Um, I said… orange is good for Halloween…"

"Oh, right! Of course! I do have a couple of festive shirts to choose from!"

Chloe pulled out an orange and black sweater, with little candy corn buttons in one hand. In the other was a tee shirt with a Mickey Mouse pumpkin. "What do you think, Becs?"

Just imagining Chloe in that tight, little sweater made Beca feel feverish. "Jesus, you're killing me, Chlo," she muttered.

"What's that?"

"Oh, uh, I said this sore throat was killing me," and Beca coughed for good measure, eliciting a sympathetic look from her best friend. "Just, uh… wear the sweater. It's… nice."

"Great! I was thinking that, too," Chloe replied brightly, slipping it on, and buttoning it. She left the top three buttons undone, and walked over to her sick, little favorite, leaning down to press her lips against Beca's forehead, checking for a fever. Her enticing cleavage was directly in Beca's face, who suddenly longed to bury herself in it. "Hmm, you feel a little warm," she said, turning on the ceiling fan. "I'm going to get you some more cough drops and Tylenol. Maybe some Vicks Vapor rub. Can you think of anything else you might need, love?"

"Aren't you forgetting the rest of your buttons?" Beca squeaked, unable to think of anything except Chloe's breasts at this time.

The redhead winked at her. "Of course not!" she declared, fastening up the rest of the buttons. "I just left them open for your benefit. See you in just a little bit, Becs."

Beca watched the woman leave, missing her already, but at least enjoying the view…

PP PP PP

On the day of Halloween, Jesse stopped by the Bella house to drop off Beca's costume. She had met him at the front door, a pale, little wraith, dark circles under her eyes, a nose like Rudolph, and a voice like Fran Drescher with a six pack a day habit. He visibly blanched when he saw her, and she gave him a dirty look.

"Um, I have your Bonnie costume, but from the looks of you, I don't think you'll be coming to the party tonight, right?"

"Gee," she muttered sarcastically at him, "ya think?"

"Sorry, Becs. You know, I am supposed to be performing Thriller with the Trebles tonight, just like you were going to sing with the Bellas."

"Yeah," the small brunette sighed wistfully, "we're doing Monster Mash. I was going to be the mad scientist."

"Aw, that's too bad," he replied sympathetically. "Hey, listen, I can always get Benji to sing lead, you know. Then I can come get you and we'd have my place all to ourselves. We could watch A Nightmare on Elm Street, or something, and I can rub your back. And maybe you could rub something on me, too…"

She made a face of disdain, as she hissed, "I'm in no shape to be rubbing anything on you! And besides, Freddy Krueger is so cheesy!"

"Yeah, he looks like a burnt, cheese pizza," Jesse agreed.

"No, I mean, that movie is so predicta-"

"Are you kidding me, Be-Caw?" he asked in horrified shock. "You thought A Nightmare on Elm Street was predictable?!"

She shrugged, then coughed in his face. "Yeah."

He sighed. "Well, what about the original Halloween? You know, John Carpenter's masterpiece of horror?"

Beca wiped her nose on her sleeve. "Meh. Typical slasher film."

Groaning, Jesse informed her, "It's the original slasher film, babe!"

"Still typical."

"Beca!"

"Hey, you know what, Jess? It's okay. You should go to the party. Sing Thriller with the Trebles. Party hearty! Have fun! Then, go home and watch all your favorite slasher films. I'm just going to stay here, and rest. Maybe drink some of the homemade soup Chloe made last night. I'll be all right. I promise."

"But, I don't feel right just leaving you alone when you're sick," he told her, not wanting to stay, but feeling guilty about having fun when she'd be home alone, wallowing in her own misery.

"It's cool. I mean it. I'm fine."

"Oh…"

"And Jess," she went on, sniffling and snorting, and grossing him out just a little, "wouldn't the original slasher film actually be Psycho?"

"Shit, you're right," he grumbled. "All right, cool. Well, guess I'll be going then. Text me if you need anything and I'll come by."

"Thanks."

He leaned in to kiss her, although most of her face looked pale, snotty, or phlegmy. Settling for the top of her messy head, he instead got a sneeze right in his face.

"Sorry," Beca wheezed.

"Yeah… gotta go, babe," he said, already hurrying down the steps and away from the little mucous machine. "Love ya, Be-Caw! Feel better!"

PP PP PP

Later that evening…

"Seriously, Chloe? You're not coming with us?" Stacie asked in shocked surprise.

"I would, but Beca needs me."

The little brunette blew her nose loudly from the next room, sounding like a trumpet.

"But we're supposed to perform!" Flo reminded her. "It's bad enough that our mad scientist is sick, but now we're losing Igor, too?"

Beca sneezed, loudly, four times in rapid succession.

"Jessica and Ashley will fill in for us," Chloe assured the small Guatemalan.

"What?" Jessica cried in excitement.

"Really?" Ashley gasped.

"That's right, ladies," Chloe told them with the utmost confidence. "It's your time to shine!"

"It's a Halloween gift," Jessica whispered to Ashley, as they headed for the front door.

"Hell, it's a Halloween miracle!" Ashley whispered back.

"It's going to be really weird without either of our co-captains there," Cynthia Rose admitted sadly.

Chloe watched Lilly walk by, dressed as a Christmas tree. "Eh… I think it will be weird, regardless," she murmured in amazement.

Cynthia Rose shrugged. "Okay, well, then we really need to go now."

"Bye, girls," Chloe sniffled, looking with great affection at all of her costume clad Bellas. "We'll really miss you all, but we know you'll be wonderful!"

"Thanks," Stacie called.

"Take lot's of pictures!" Chloe added.

Amy came into the room, dressed as Elvira. "Hey, Beale. I just heard you're not coming with us. You sure? I mean, I guess I could watch short stack."

"No, I need to take care of her myself," Chloe told her. "I mean, she is my favorite, remember?"

"Yeah, sure. All right. Well, let me just say goodbye, real quick, to the little scamp in there." And Amy walked into the living room where Beca was holed up on the couch, looking like something from The Walking Dead. "Hey, shrimp, so you're really doing this?"

"Doing what?" the little DJ mumbled, sounding miserable.

The Australian smirked at her. "Staying in the pumpkin patch all night, Linus? And you've conned Sally in there," and she jerked her thumb in Chloe's general direction in the next room, "to stay with you, missing out on tricks and treats?"

Beca rolled her eyes. "Don't be so dramatic, Amy! Chloe insisted."

"Yeah, because she loves the shit out of you!"

"Gross!"

"You know what I mean!"

"Whatever!" Beca groaned pathetically. "I'm sick! I need tending to. She's someone who likes to… tend. It's… symbiotic."

"Don't bring mathematics into this," Amy scolded her, and Beca stared at her incredulously. "Look, Becs," she went on, purposely lowering her voice, "I'm not sure what you're trying to pull here, but I found all the theater makeup, and the heating pad. I may not know why you're doing this, but I do know what you're doing."

"Amy, shut up!" Beca whispered back, her eyes looking panicked, a pleading expression on her pale face. "Please, Ames, don't say anything, okay? I… I'll explain later, but please don't ruin it for me."

The blond had a sudden realization and she stared shrewdly at her small friend. "Oh, I get it now, Mitchell."

"Amy…"

"You know, you're quite an asshole sometimes, Beca, but I love you, so I won't say anything. Do your thing, I guess."

"Thanks," Beca sniffled. "And hey, if it's any consolation, I really do have congestion and a tickle in my throat."

"Sure, sure," Amy conceded with a knowing look. "All right, Linus, have fun with your Sally, then. Don't faint at any Beagles."

Beca grinned, and saluted her. "That's a promise."

PP PP PP

"Here we are!" Chloe announced with a smile, as she brought in a tray of food and drink. She set them down on the coffee table in front of the couch Beca had currently taken up residence on. It was riddled with dirty tissues, an empty Vicks Vapor Rub jar, and cough drop wrappers. "Goodness, but you're messy when you're sick, Becs."

"Oh, sorry," Beca replied, her stuffy nose muffling her voice. Chloe found her to be absolutely adorable. "Look, I can clean it-"

"No, baby, let me." The redhead grabbed up all of the trash and tossed them into a waste basket over by a large desk in the corner. She brought the waste basket closer so Beca could more easily throw away her trash from then on.

After a trip to the kitchen to wash her hands, Chloe returned, and began to set out the provisions for the evening: two hot ciders in matching jack o' lantern mugs, a small dish of candy corn, another with Hershey kisses, and a big bowl of popcorn.

"This is all for us, Chlo?" Beca asked in surprise.

"Well, yeah. We can't go out on Halloween this year, so I'm bringing Halloween to us here at the Bella house!"

This made Beca feel guilty. She was keeping Chloe away from all of the festive holiday fun this evening, just like Amy said. "You know," she told her beautiful friend, watching as she munched on a candy corn, "you could always go to the party right now."

Chloe grabbed a handful of popcorn for more munching, as she searched for the DVD remote. "I really don't see how that's possible," she managed to get out over a mouthful of food.

"Sure it is," Beca said quietly, "you just head on over. You could drive Herbie. I wouldn't want you walking alone in the dark."

"It's Halloween, I'm sure the night is alive with trick-or-treaters!"

"Honey, we live on a college campus," Beca said gently. "Unless people are passing out booze, I don't think most of the students around here would be all that interested."

"Well, either way, the party is only one block over. Why would I take Herbie just for that?"

"Because I want you to be safe," Beca admitted shyly.

Chloe smiled adoringly at her. "It doesn't matter either way, love. I'm staying here."

"But why?" the small brunette mumbled guiltily. "I mean, you love Halloween. And what's more, you're missing out on performing with the Bellas. Isn't that your favorite thing in the world to do?"

The beautiful redhead gave her friend an appreciative stare, one so open, and full of lust that it made Beca avert her eyes at the intensity it brought. "It's something I love to do, but it's definitely not my favorite thing to do."

Determined not to ask just exactly what Chloe' favorite thing to do was, Beca tried a different tact. "But since you love it so much, shouldn't you go?" Beca didn't really want Chloe to go off and leave her, but the guilt she felt at keeping her away from performing with the other Bellas was gnawing at her insides.

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"Because…"

"Because why, Chlo?"

"Because I wouldn't feel right about it, and I certainly wouldn't be able to have a good time, under the circumstances."

"But you love singing with the Bellas…"

"Not if you're not there, Becs. It would be pointless to go. I'd only want to come home and check on you every five minutes, anyway. I'd be distracted and would probably mess up the performance."

Beca scowled. "Yeah, but now I feel shitty for ruining your good time…"

"Beca, it's Halloween, one of my favorite holidays. And I can celebrate without trick-or-treating, or performing, and still have a blast. See, I have my favorite holiday movies, lot's of yummy treats, a good dinner for us on the stove, and, best of all, I am alone in the house with the most beautiful woman I have ever had the good fortune to meet! I am absolutely delighted to be celebrating Halloween in this manner, with you!"

The young DJ turned away, her cheeks burning from the heat of embarrassment and desire. She could not hide the wide and happy grin that spread across her face. She reached out and took Chloe's hand in hers, giving it a squeeze. "You rock, you know that, right?"

"So do you."

"Chloe," Beca admitted, shy but sincere, "I don't know what I would do without you."

"You wouldn't have someone who truly loved and appreciated each and every nuance that makes up the beautiful human being that you are."

"Chlo…"

"Yes, Becs?"

"Um… so what movies do you have, babe?" She was sort of dreading having to sit through all of the cliché horror films most young people watched this time of year, like Halloween, or Friday the 13th, or Child's Play. But she would watch any of them, just to sit there and enjoy her company.

"Ooh, it's a surprise, love," Chloe whispered secretively, pushing play on the DVD remote, then leaning back to snuggle up with her favorite person ever on the couch.

Beca was wearing pajamas that she'd been in since yesterday. She noticed that Chloe had, at some point, changed into some cute Halloween jammies, with a jack o' lantern, a witch, a ghost, and an owl. She smelled wonderful, fresh, clean, with a hint of some fragrant body wash, as well as her unique essence. Beca subtly sniffed herself, worried about having body odor. Thankfully, she had showered the night before, and put on a liberal amount of deodorant. She passed the stink test. Feeling relieved about that, she allowed herself to relax, snuggling against her best friend, and resting her head against Chloe's capable shoulder, mentally preparing herself to watch…

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! popped up on the screen, making Chloe squeal in delight, and causing Beca to chuckle affectionately.

"Charlie Brown, huh, Chlo?" she asked, not forgetting that her situation had been very recently compared to characters in this special not more than ten minutes ago by Amy.

The redhead shrugged sheepishly. "I know, it's silly. But it's been my favorite since I was a kid," she admitted.

Beca looked lovingly at the woman, who watched the program with childlike wonder. She's so beautiful, the DJ thought, reaching out to push an errant lock of red hair behind the redhead's ear. "Chloe," she whispered dreamily.

Chloe turned, focusing those bright, blue eyes on her. "Yes, love? Can I get you something?"

"Um… a… kiss?" the brunette whispered, in spite of herself.

"You mean Hershey, or Chloe?" she giggled, winking.

"Both…" the junior blurted, before realizing that she'd said it out loud. Her face went bright red.

Chloe reached for a Hershey Kiss, deftly unwrapped it, and held it in between her teeth. She then leaned forward, and slipped it into Beca's unsuspecting mouth, kissing her sweet lips in the process. The kiss didn't last long, but it had a long lasting effect on Beca.

"Jesus, Chlo…" the little DJ sighed, her voice shaky, full of shock and desire.

"Mmm, tastes good, Becs… and the chocolate wasn't bad, either."

Beca looked away, then. It was just too hot for her to handle. Chloe could sense this, and she eased up on the seduction, and instead focused on the love and concern she had for her friend.

"I…" the young woman tried, but didn't know exactly what to say.

Making it her mission to put her at ease, Chloe said, "Oh, hey, let me know when you're hungry for dinner, love. I've got chili cooking in the crock pot. Should be ready by now. I just hope you don't mind that it's vegetarian."

"Of course not," Beca assured her, having become accustomed to certain vegetarian fare, thanks to her friend. "Geez, Chlo, you sure are spoiling me."

"You deserve it, Becs."

"No, I don't," Beca sighed sadly, again, letting the guilt creep up on her at keeping Chloe home instead of enjoying herself at the a Capella Halloween celebration.

"Why do you keep saying that?" Chloe asked her pointedly.

"I just…"

"It isn't because you're feeling guilty since you're not really sick, is it?" the redhead questioned carefully.

"Nah, it's just… wait- what?!" Beca's blue eyes grew wide in surprise.

"If that's what's bothering you, don't let it, love," Chloe told her, reaching up to gently caress her friend's cheek. "You obviously really wanted to spend this time with me, and went to great lengths to do so." She then took Beca's hand, cold and clammy, and enveloped it in her warm one.

"W-what makes you think I'm not sick?" Beca asked, unable to look her in the eye, not knowing how angry her friend might possibly be. But when she stared down at their entwined fingers, it all felt okay, as if an invisible weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

"Beca," the redhead went on, "I found the heating pad, warm and ready, plugged into the bathroom pretty much every time you felt warm. And when I kissed your pale face, I could taste the makeup you used to make yourself look pale."

"Um, I…"

"And you never would let me take your temperature."

"But…"

"And you adamantly refused to go see a doctor, even though you've claimed to have this mysterious illness for almost a week, without getting any better."

"Well, I…" and Beca was speechless for a moment. "Hell, are you mad at me, Chlo?"

"Are you kidding?" Chloe exclaimed excitedly. "My best friend went to tremendous efforts to get me alone on Halloween night! I find that incredibly romantic- er, sweet. Yes, sweet." She pulled Beca close to her, and held her in a tight, comforting embrace.

"Happy Halloween, Chloe," Beca mumbled, feeling a little choked up by the forgiveness she realized she was receiving.

"Happy Halloween, Beca," came the sweet reply.

The two young women settled in together on the couch, watching the rest of the Charlie Brown special. Beca laughed heartily when, next up, Chloe put in Garfield's Halloween Special. The redhead had sung all of the songs, while Beca chuckled, and chowed down on popcorn.

"Why am I not surprised that you know the words to every song, babe?" Beca laughed appreciatively at her beautiful, silly friend.

Chloe shrugged, then checked her phone. "Oh! It's nearly 7:30! Are you ready for my world famous chili, honey? It's actually one of Grammy Beale's recipes!"

Beca gave her a thumbs up. "Well, if it's Grammy's recipe, and you've cooked it, I know it'll be a winner! You said it's completely vegetarian, right?"

"Sure is. I change the original recipe a little. No meat, more beans."

"Oh, Chlo," Beca snickered. "We're going to be farting all night!"

"No biggie," the redhead assured her. "I mean, we've heard each other fart before."

"You've never heard me fart!" Beca exclaimed, scandalized.

"Sure, I have. It's cute!"

"I don't think so…" the little DJ stubbornly folded her arms, trying to hide the blush creeping up on her cheeks.

"Becs," Chloe told her matter-of-factly, trying not to roll her eyes, "this might come as a shock to you, but everybody farts, including you." Beca shook her head. "Yes, love, you do."

"When?" Beca challenged her.

"Well," the elder Bella explained, "usually when people try to hold in their farts all day, like I know you do, the fart doesn't really go away, it's just stored up in there, where it waits until you fall asleep and your sphincter relaxes, and-"

"Oh, God! I got it, Jesus!" Beca groaned in disgust. "So, wait… are you saying when we have… eh… sleep overs, I… in my sleep?!"

"All the time," Chloe clued her in. "Like I said, no biggie. It's just kind of cute-"

"No! No! It is not cute!"

Recalling how Beca loved to argue over being cute, Chloe thought she was fishing for a different kind of compliment, so she said, "Oh, yeah, that's right, Becs. You fart like a badass!"

In spite of being mortified to learn of her less than stellar sleeping habits, Beca cracked up laughing. "Eh, no, Chloe. I don't mean… never mind. I just… will never be able to sleep with you a-"

"You better not finish that sentence!" Chloe interrupted, looking hurt. "And you better not mean it!"

"But Chloe… you say I fart… all the time… when I sleep with you!"

"What's a few farts between best friends?" Chloe replied cheerfully. "Besides, we all do it! Are you grossed out when I've done it?"

"No, but I mean, I can only remember that one time…"

"Well, if it makes you feel any better, I will alert you from now on, when I'm about to cut loose, okay?"

Beca laughed. "Uh… sure… I mean, you don't have to. You're not Amy."

This made Chloe giggle as well. "True. She does like to announce it, doesn't she?"

"I wouldn't talk, Beale. You gave yours away with your giggling."

Chloe shrugged. "I just think farts are funny." Beca shook her head in amusement. "So, are we cool to eat chili?"

"Of course."

"And it's okay to fart in front of each other?"

"Uh… sure…"

"And no more talk about stopping sleep overs, which would be worse than losing a competition to the Trebles!"

The brunette snickered. "All right, Chlo, all right. I couldn't give up your cuddles, anyway. So, bring on the chili, babe!"

With an affirming nod, Chloe stood up and hurried out of the room, only to return a moment later, carrying a tray with two steaming bowls of chili, topped with cheese, chives, and a dollop of sour cream, along with two glasses of iced tea. Just before sitting down to eat, Chloe put in Hocus Pocus, with Bette Midler.

"Damn, this is delicious, Chlo!" Beca complimented enthusiastically, unable to stifle a belch. "Whoops…"

Chloe smiled indulgently at her bestie, secretly finding burps and most bodily functions to be hilarious, a hazard, perhaps, of growing up with a younger brother. She ran the empty bowls back to the kitchen, rinsing them out in the sink, and hurrying back to see a teenage virgin light the black flame candle.

She returned to find her little favorite stretched out on the sofa, her feet now occupying where Chloe had once sat. "You want me to rub your feet, Becs?" she asked in confusion.

"No," Beca admitted, a bit shyly, "I want you lie down here with me."

"Uh, there's not really any room for that, honey."

Beca grabbed one of Chloe's hands, and pulled the redhead down to lie on top of her. "Sure there is," she said.

"Have you been dipping into the cough medicine a little too much, love?" Chloe asked in surprise, unused to her best friend being so forward.

"No," the brunette assured her. "Nor am I hyper from candy. I've hardly had any."

"Mmm," Chloe replied flirtatiously. "Want a few more?"

"Candies?"

"Well, kisses…"

"… yeah…"

"You're not wearing any heavy makeup, are you, darling?" Chloe inquired. "You do look a little pale."

"No makeup, I swear!"

"Good! Because it doesn't taste very good, although you do, and all I want to taste is true, bonafide, Beca…" And she leaned down, their lips about to touch, when…

"Ah-choo!" Beca sneezed into Chloe's face.

"Oh, dear…"

"Oh, my God! Chloe! I'm so sorry!" Beca declared in horror, before sneezing again.

"Are these real sneezes, love? Because they sure feel real…"

"Totally real," Beca told her, "I'm really… ah-choo!"

"Bless you," Chloe said, smiling sweetly, before getting up off of her best friend. "I'll be right back."

"Where you going?"

"Just going to maybe wash my face… change my shirt… wash my hair…"

"Oh, Jesus, Chloe, I am sorry!"

"I know, love. It's okay."

"You're coming back, right?" the brunette asked fretfully.

"Of course, Becs! Just give me a few minutes!"

Beca watched her friend bound up the stairs and disappear beyond the landing. She felt horrible. Once again, she had ruined a potential intimate moment with her beloved Chloe.

It was a good ten minutes before Chloe returned, freshly showered and wearing clean pajamas, this one with a little cute ghost popping out of a pumpkin, and a black cat standing beside them. Beca smirked.

"Geez, Chlo, just how many Halloween pajamas do you actually own, babe?"

"You mean here, or counting the ones back home, too?"

Beca shook her head. "Never mind. Just, can you come back and snuggle with me? I missed you. I swear, I will not sneeze on you, again!"

It was then the small DJ noticed that Chloe was carrying a box of tissues, as well as some nasal spray, and a jar of Vicks vapor rub. "I know, I came prepared," she joked.

She sat down on the couch beside her, then pressed her lips to Beca's forehead. "You know, you might be really coming down with something, honey. I mean, you feel warm to me, you look a little pale and sweaty, and your sneezes are epic! You feeling all right? I mean, for reals?"

"I do feel kind of… icky," Beca admitted. "Got a little bit of a headache, too."

"I really think we should call you in for a doctor's appointment tomorrow."

Beca groaned. She hated going to the doctor's. But she relented. "Fine!"

"And here, take a couple of Tylenol for pain and fever."

"All right," she groaned again, popping two tablets into her mouth and swigging it down with the rest of her iced tea. "Anything else, Dr. Beale?"

Chloe grinned affectionately. "Yeah, you sound congested. I think you should put some Vicks on your chest. It'll help."

"No, Chloe, no!" Beca whined. "I hate that smell! And it's so slimy! And I'll get it all over my hands, and I can never get rid of the smell, even after I wash my hands a bunch of times!"

"How about a compromise, love? I can put the Vicks on you."

"But it's still all gloopy and stinky!" Beca muttered. "You'd have to rub it all over my neck and chest, and… oh!"

The redhead raised a mischievous eyebrow. "That's right, I will. So, what do you say?"

"Hmm, getting felt up on Halloween night by a hot redhead… guess there are worse things that could happen…"

That hot redhead's expression went from mischievous to aroused in less than a second. Very slowly and deliberately, she unbuttoned Beca's pajama top, staring appreciatively at the ample display of cleavage and nipples. "You're so exquisite, Becs…"

"Jesus, Chlo, just… please…"

Chloe dipped three fingers into the Vicks jar, retrieving a liberal amount, then rubbing it onto both hands. After having both hands covered in the stuff, she slowly began to apply it to Beca's warm, soft, tender flesh. Her method resembled a sculptor, lovingly molding pliant clay into a beautiful work of art, her movements were gentle, but firm, as she swirled the Vicks on her chest, stopping once or twice, to cup her friend's breasts. And she took her time about it, too, relishing every moment, turning Beca on in the process, who kept trying to stifle sneezes. This was too momentous to mess up.

Once Chloe was finished applying the medicine on her beloved's supple form, she grabbed a few tissues and thoroughly wiped off her fingers. Before she knew it, Beca had pulled her back down on top of her again.

"Hold me?" Beca asked nervously.

She needn't have been. "You want me on top, then?" Chloe purred into her ear.

"Yeah…"

Situating herself between Beca's splayed legs, Chloe carefully lowered her full weight onto Beca's smaller form. "This okay, love?"

"It's better than okay," the little DJ dared to admit. "It's perfect."

"Pitch perfect," Chloe agreed sensually, and she bent down to place a tender kiss upon her best friend's lips…

PP PP PP

At around three in the morning, seven costumed, giddy, drunken Bellas came stumbling into the house, giggling quietly, and loudly shushing each other. Jessica and Ashley, high on their success as temporary lead singers, were especially drunk, and they held onto each other, trying to steady themselves, as they hobbled up the stairs. Stacie and Cynthia Rose went up right behind them, lest they lose their balance and fall backwards down the stairs. Soon, Lilly, and Flo followed.

One Bella stayed behind, to turn off the light in the kitchen, when she happened to notice the glow of the television in the living area. Curious, she went to investigate, finding Monster House playing on the DVD player, covering the darkened room with an eerie glow.

Shaking her head, she couldn't believe that Chloe would have left any electronics running. It wasn't like her. She walked over to turn off the DVD player, then the television. Enveloped in darkness, except for a faint light coming from the hallway, which usually stayed on all night, in case any Bella happened to need to come down to fetch anything in the darkness, the Australian nearly jumped when she heard a quiet moan come from behind her on the couch.

Spinning around, she noticed something she hadn't before: a shapeless lump on the couch, covered in throw blankets, and now moving around gracelessly. It startled her, trying to figure out what, or who it actually was. She figured both Beca and Chloe were tucked away upstairs, sleeping blissfully. She wondered if they had gotten into an argument, or something. Maybe Chloe had left Beca downstairs alone, and Beca had been too proud- or too lazy- to go upstairs on her own. But the thing was, that shapeless lump, it looked too big to be either Bella.

Edging gingerly closer to the lump, Amy gently lifted away the blankets to reveal, not one, but both of the Bellas in question. Both were sleeping, Chloe lying on top of Beca, and Beca seemingly not uncomfortable about their position in any way, as she had both her skinny arms, and one thin leg wrapped around the perennial senior slumbering away on top of her.

Amy sniffed, detecting the smell of Vicks vapor rub heavily in the air.

"What the actual fuck?" the drunken Bella blurted, somewhat loudly. "This is some seriously kinky shit!"

Chloe stirred slightly, but Beca woke right up. "Huh? Amy?" she asked, squinting in the darkness.

"You know, Vicks probably isn't the best lubricant, Mitchell. It's got menthol. I mean, didn't that stuff sting your hoo ha?"

"What you talkin' 'bout?" Beca mumbled sleepily.

"I like your blanket, Linus," Amy snickered. "Chloe must be softer than a goose down comforter."

"Huh? Oh!" Beca finally woke up enough to realize that her best friend and favorite snuggle buddy was slumbering peacefully on top of her, wearing a smile.

"You know, I always wondered about which one of you would be the bottom," Amy went on. "Frankly, Beca, I'm a little surprised."

"Shut up, Ames!" Beca muttered at her.

That's when Chloe woke up. "Oh, hey, Amy… what time is it?" She glanced down at Beca, saw that she was awake, and wearing a pissed off expression. "Oh, hi, love. Are you feeling all right? What's the matter?"

"She's just pissed because I caught you two at it again," Amy crowed. "Either that, or the Vicks didn't agree with her. You know, you could end up with a yeast infection."

"Shut up!" Beca hissed again, glaring daggers at the boisterous blond.

"A yeast infection?" Chloe asked in confusion. "From having Vicks on her chest? How does that work?" She yawned, clearly still longing to be asleep.

"Just an inside joke, Red," Amy assured her. "Deep inside," and she winked at Beca, who glared again and turned away.

"Oh. Well, how are you feeling, honey?" She glanced down at her little patient in concern.

"I still have a sore throat and a headache," Beca admitted.

"Ah, she's fine," Amy interrupted, still under the assumption that Beca wasn't sick at all. "And I'll bet you took good care of her tonight, Chloe. I bet you attended to her every need- her every need."

Beca held her breath. She just knew Chloe was going to walk right into this…

"Well, of course, I did," Chloe freely admitted. "I'd do anything for my sweet Becs."

The junior rolled her eyes. Yep, Chloe had walked right into that. But she knew that the redhead could be a little naive at times. It wasn't her fault. In fact, Beca found it rather endearing… except when Amy took advantage and made fun of them both.

"I'm sure you did, Beale," Amy chuckled at her friends' expense.

"Amy, can you please just… go away now?" the small DJ grumbled at her.

"We should all head upstairs," Chloe reasoned. "I need to put you to bed, my love," she said, smiling lovingly at Beca. She got up off of her, and tugged at Beca's hand.

That's when Amy noticed that Beca's pajama top was completely unbuttoned, and exposing her slick, Vicks covered breasts. "Holy shit! Beca boobs! My eyes, my eyes!"

Chloe looked at them, too, in open admiration. "Yes, they are something to behold. I feel the same."

"Uh, no, Chloe," Amy was quick to point out, "I'm absolutely certain that you and I do not feel the same way about Beca's boobs. Although, I do have to admit that she has really pretty titties."

Beca was in the process of buttoning up her top. She shuddered at Amy's statement. "Jesus! Quit talking about my damn tits already!" She would have chewed her out some more, but she started coughing and had a hard time stopping.

"Oh, no! Poor Becs. Did you want some hot tea?"

Her answer was more hacking and a quick shake of the head.

"All right," Chloe reluctantly agreed, "but you definitely need to suck on a cough drop before trying to sleep. And speaking of which, you want to sleep with me tonight, don't you?"

"Hasn't she already been?" Amy cracked.

"Amy, fuck off, and yes, Chlo, I feel… better when you're near."

"Aww," both Chloe and Amy said, in unison.

"Yes, go stay with your little nursey, you Vicks covered vixen!" Amy laughed.

"Bite me, Ames."

"Nah, I think the vapor rub has pickled you."

Beca rolled her eyes.

"Okay, well, I will go get the bed set up for us, love," Chloe told her, standing up and grabbing some cough drops, and the box of tissues.

"Don't forget the Vicks," Amy teased them, "in case you're interested in a round two." She winked at Chloe, who winked back, although she didn't really understand. She grabbed the half empty Vicks jar.

"Shut up!" Beca growled at her. She wasn't feeling very well, and she was tired, and longing for a warm bed, and cuddles with her bestie.

"Are you taking the heating pad and the theatrical makeup, too?" Amy inquired before Chloe left the room.

"Jesus, you're a dick at three in the morning!" Beca shouted at the Australian.

Amy nodded. "And I'm drunk, too."

"Amy," Chloe explained, "it's no use trying to spoil Beca's secret. I already know all about it. And… the truth is, our poor girl's really getting sick! But we'll get her feeling better very soon! Won't we, love?" she asked, glancing down at her beloved, a warm, heartfelt expression on her beautiful face. She left the room, bounding cheerfully up the stairs in the middle of the night, happy to be taking care of the one she loved best.

"Damn," Amy murmured in awe, "she really does love you, you know that, right?"

"Yeah," Beca whispered.

"And you're really getting sick now, or are you still milking it for all it's worth?"

"I have a fever and my head hurts like hell," the small brunette admitted, rubbing at her sore neck. "Not to mention the sore throat and congestion."

"Yeah, you're a mucous factory, I get it," the blond replied. "You realize that you'll probably get Chloe sick, too, then."

"I'll try not to."

"Maybe you won't, if you guys don't sleep on top of each other, making out all night…"

"Fine," Beca grumbled. "If she gets sick, then I'll take care of her!"

Amy laughed. "Oh, right. Somehow, I think you'd be more Florence Nightmare, than Nightingale!"

"Up yours, Ames! Look, I may not have the most sympathetic mindset all the time, but I would take good care of Chloe!"

Seeing that she had crossed the line, and truly angered the tired, sick Bella co-captain, Amy nodded sympathetically, patting the smaller woman on the arm. "I know, Becs, I'm sure you would. You love your Chloe. And hey, I read somewhere about a home remedy to use that can speed up the healing process and make people feel better when they're ill."

"What's that?" Beca yawned, trying to stand on wobbly legs.

"Sex."

Beca looked down at her hands. "I wouldn't want to… I mean, like I'd call Jesse for something like that…"

"Who said anything about Jesse?" Amy said pointedly. "Becs, you have a beautiful woman waiting for you upstairs, who would do anything for you, and I do mean anything."

"Amy…" Beca sighed. "I… have a boyfriend."

"You don't have to have one," Amy told her. "You could call it off with him, and then hook up with the hottest person you could get- probably hotter than you could get, but for some reason, she really loves you."

"Chloe is not just some hook up!" Beca hissed, looking angry.

"Way to miss the point, Mitchell," the blond sighed tiredly, "and no, I didn't mean it that way! But someday you're gonna grow up and realize just how good you got it with Beale. I'm just hoping it won't be too late for you. If you wait too long, someone is gonna steal that ginger away from you. I know Chloe is devoted to you, but she's only human. She needs love from someone who will commit. She needs sex, and with someone who doesn't have a boyfriend!"

"Amy, knock it off," Beca whimpered, her voice trailing off. She didn't know what else to say. She knew her friend was right.

"Ready for bed now?" Amy asked, seemingly growing tired of this conversation. She'd had it with Beca before. No doubt, they would have it again. It wasn't as if Amy had it in for Jesse. She just really cared about Beca, who she thought of as her best friend. And she could plainly see how much Beca loved Chloe. She could also see that Chloe returned that love, tenfold. She just couldn't understand why Beca continually turned a blind eye to the happiness that was right in front of her.

"Go ahead without me," Beca said stiffly. "I can manage on my own."

The Australian rolled her eyes. "Oh, great! Now you're gonna get all weird, like you always do whenever we talk about this stuff. Just please don't take it out on Chloe, okay? She's upstairs, going out of her way at 3:30 in the morning, anxiously waiting to cuddle your surly ass all night!"

"Please just leave me the hell alone!" Beca muttered through gritted teeth. She grabbed an extra blanket, then stomped angrily up the stairs.

"Damn, Mitchell, you're such an asshole," Amy sighed.

PP PP PP

Chloe sat up in her bed, making sure there was room for her beloved Beca, as she awaited her arrival. She was so happy to have spent quality time with her on Halloween, happy that they had gone further in their impending romance than they ever had before. She was thrilled to be holding her all night long. And she felt privileged to be the person that Beca would rely on while she was sick.

A good ten minutes later, Beca came storming in, a blanket from downstairs draped over her shoulder, and her arms crossed over her chest- which Chloe knew to be a defensive posture, from her psychology class. A scowl covered the junior's pretty face.

With a quick sigh, Chloe mentally prepared herself for what she was sure to come. She knew from experience that Beca was likely to become angry and defensive for the rest of the night. She wasn't sure if it was something she had done or said, or maybe she'd had words with Amy, but the signs all pointed to an unpleasant evening ahead. Chloe loved Beca more than anyone or anything, but she had to admit, the girl had the worst mood swings ever! She understood that Beca had gone through a rough childhood and teen years. But it still didn't stop the pain she felt every time Beca was in a mood like this and spouted mean, angry words, or rejections.

It was only by chance that Beca happened to see the fear and panic in Chloe's beautiful blue eyes before they glazed over with forced cheerfulness that was her only defense against her sharp tongue. Finally realizing just how much Chloe loved her, and how much it hurt her at every rejection, every nasty word, Beca's own bad mood did a one eighty.

"Um, hey," Beca stammered, suddenly feeling contrite and awkward.

"Hey, Becs," Chloe replied, the epitome of sweetness and light. "Are you ready for bed?"

"I am, but… um, only if…"

"Only if what, love?"

Beca came closer to the redhead and sat down beside her on the bed, reaching for Chloe's warm hand. "Only if… you hold me all night. I, uh, heard that se- eh, cuddling is good for colds, the flu, viruses, and whatever else ails ya."

Not expecting such softness and openness at this time, Chloe smiled lovingly at her little invalid, opening up her arms. "C'mere, beautiful!"

The young DJ dove into those loving arms, effectively knocking Chloe back against her pillow. Beca gave her best friend sweet kisses, nuzzled her neck, and held her as tightly as she was capable of. After a few minutes, the two of them fell into a contented, restful sleep.

PP PP PP

Two days later…

Amy walked up the stairs, grumbling, carrying a tray with two soup bowls and two mugs of tea. She opened the bedroom door at the end of the hall to find Chloe and Beca lying in bed, the covers up to their chins. They were both pale, with watery eyes and red noses. They each had a thermometer in their mouths.

"Here you go, sickos," Amy announced, setting things down, as if she were a waitress at an old time diner, "one chicken noodle soup and hot, black tea with Half 'n' Half for Mitchell, and one vegetable soup and warm, green tea with lemon for Beale."

The two young women removed each other's thermometer from their mouths. "Thanks," they both mumbled before checking each other's temperatures.

"101.2," they told each other in unison.

"Wow!" Chloe sniffled, then coughed. "That's so simpatico! Aca-amazing!" She coughed some more.

Beca patted her back, turning her head away just in time to sneeze in Amy's direction. "Perfect harmony, Chlo, even when we're sick," she marveled.

Amy rolled her eyes. "Well, it's no wonder you two are so in sync. I mean, you do share the same brain!"

Both Beca and Chloe glanced at each other and smiled at the statement.

"Oh, brother," Amy muttered. "God, you pitches are so pathetic! Just get married, already, and have some kids, so they can take care of your sorry asses when you get sick!"

"Will do," Chloe replied as cheerfully as someone with a fever and hacking cough could do.

"Amy, since we don't have any offspring yet, would you be willing to pick up some more cough drops and… Vicks vapor rub?" Beca asked, smirking, and offering a watery wink at her bed mate.

"Yeah, sure, sure, since I have nothing better to do than to play nurse maid to you pathetic lesbos!"

"Thanks!" both co-captains stated again.

Narrowing her eyes, Amy added, on her way out the door, "By the way, one of you just used Lilly's thermometer. I won't say which one. Later, pitches!" And with that, she hurried out of the room, closing the door behind her.

Beca and Chloe just stared at each other in stunned silence for a long moment.

PP PP PP

Amy was halfway down the stairs when she heard Beca yell from the bedroom upstairs, "Damn you, Amy!" She smiled most evilly.

Chapter Four: Senior Seasons Greetings

Winter break was almost upon Barden University, and Beca had found herself in a real pickle… Jesse had invited her to his parents' house for Christmas, for the first time since they'd started dating. But the problem was, so had Chloe. In fact, Beca had spent last Christmas with the Beales' as well, and had loved it, hoping to return the next year, and so on. But Jesse's unexpected invite had made Beca feel torn about accepting either offer. Jesse was her boyfriend. They had been dating for two years. But Chloe was… well, Chloe. Beca knew deep down that she loved the beautiful redhead more than anything or anyone, and that included her boyfriend of two years. Still, to avoid hurting either of them, Beca told both of them that her father had made plans with her for the holidays, and since she rarely did anything with her dad, she felt it her duty to stay and spend time with him this Christmas, hinting to both Jesse and Chloe that she was working on repairing the strained relationship she had with her father.

To her surprise, both of them bought it. Jesse had taken it a lot better, though. He hadn't cried or begged, or tried to change her mind. She was grateful for that, especially the last night she saw him, a few days before the start of break, at the Treble house, in the room he shared with Benji. Much to her relief, Benji was there, too, so she didn't have to worry about doing anything of an… intimate nature, especially since she was not really in the mood to do so.

So, she and Jesse had shared some deli sandwiches for lunch, exchanged gifts, and a few kisses. Beca had told him to have a good time hanging out with his parents. He wished her the same with her dad. Beca told Benji Happy Hanukkah, and then left the Treble house, feeling relieved. One down, one to go...

Then she was off, back to the Bella house to spread more holiday cheer. There was to be a party for all of the girls that evening, as the next day, many of them would be going out on their separate ways to spend the holidays with their own families.

Beca admired the beautiful wreath hanging on the outside of the Bella house door, crafted and hung, lovingly, by her favorite redhead. Chloe had been in charge of decorating the house for Christmas, and she had done a wonderful job. Every time Beca came home, she felt like she was stepping into one of those sappy Christmas movies Chloe adored watching with her.

Inside the house, it was even more festive. Chloe had enlisted the help of Beca, Stacie and Flo, and really turned the Bella House into a winter wonderland. There was garland wrapped around the staircase banister, ten stockings, each with a Bella's name, hanging on the mantel, and a beautiful, eight foot tree in the living room, decorated to the nines. Of course, there were also little Christmas pictures, or candles, or holiday stuffed animals placed carefully about the house, to add to the décor. And lastly, there was mistletoe hung in every doorway and archway in the house.

A few of the Bellas wondered why a house full of women needed so much mistletoe hung about, but they soon learned the truth. While Chloe would offer a sisterly kiss if she came across Cynthia Rose, or Flo, or any of the other girls, her main target was Beca, who she managed to catch frequently, effectively kissing every inch of her grumpy, little face at various times.

The mistletoe wasn't totally useless for anyone else either. Amy had caught Jessica and Ashley a few times, smooching away, and Cynthia Rose snagged a kiss or two from the unsuspecting Stacie, from time to time. Lilly also enjoyed sneaking up behind her Bella sisters and kissing them under the mistletoe in some unusual places: an elbow, a shoulder blade, a finger nail… Everyone did their best to steer clear of Lilly during this time.

Tonight at the party, there was to be a big feast, and a gift exchange. The girls had each drawn a name of one her Bella sisters out of a hat to buy a present for. Nobody wanted to get Lilly's name. Not that they didn't love her, but no one really knew what to get her. Even asking for ideas proved fruitless. Nobody was going to buy her any hemlock or an oboe.

At six o'clock that evening, everyone congregated into the large dining room and sat down to a beautifully decorated table for ten. Chloe had made a scrumptious feast for all of them, a large turkey, with all the trimmings, chestnut dressing, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, sweet potatoes, corn, green bean casserole, and some to-furkey for herself, and anyone who might want to try it. (The only person who did so was Beca, just to be nice.) For dessert, there were four kinds of pie: apple, pecan, pumpkin, and chocolate silk. There were also cookies of every kind to nosh on, eggnog, cider, homemade fudge, you name it! Chloe had gotten some help from Beca, Stacie, Flo, and Emily, and everyone had chipped in to buy all of the ingredients for such a meal, but the food, the ambiance, the love put into it, was all Chloe.

By 7:30 pm, ten stuffed-to-the-gills Bellas ventured into the living room, where soft candles were lit, holiday music played nicely in the background, and the smell of those cookies wafted temptingly into everyone's noses, while they gathered around the Christmas tree to exchange presents. Here's how things went down…

Beca was given a black tee shirt that said, "Music Rocks!" from Flo.

Flo got a Food-of-the-Month-Club subscription representing Guatemala from Stacie.

Stacie got a set of Sephora eye shadow from Amy.

Amy got a cute Grumpy Cat stuffed animal from Chloe.

Chloe got a nightgown with Cinderella on it from Emily.

Emily got a tablet of sheet music for her song writing from Cynthia Rose.

Cynthia Rose got a book of Sappho's poetry from Ashley.

Ashley got a bottle of perfume from Jessica.

Jessica got a strange looking Elf on the Shelf voo doo doll from Lilly.

And Lilly got a Chinese throwing star Origami set from Beca.

At around eight-thirty, the Bellas sat around the tree together, drinking the homemade eggnog, eating the fresh baked cookies, singing Christmas carols, and telling each other sweet stories from their own Christmases past, as they admired their new gifts. Chloe sat next to Beca, her hand resting a top of the brunette's, giving it a gentle squeeze now and then. Beca couldn't help it. She felt happy, content. She could almost forget that she would have to say goodbye to her beloved redhead the next day, and be all alone on Christmas.

When ten-thirty came around, the ladies knew it was time to say goodnight and call it an evening. Most of them were flying out or getting picked up at some point the next day. After blowing out the candles, putting all the food away, so as not to spoil or become stale, and turning off all the lights, the ten tired, excited Bellas flocked together up the stairs to their bedrooms for one last slumber before going off on holiday adventures.

As the girls were walking up together to their beds, Chloe slid her hand into Beca's. "Want to have a pre-Christmas sleep over?" she whispered into the small brunette's ear.

"Sure, I suppose," Beca replied nonchalantly, playing it cool in case any of the others heard the exchange. The truth was, she had been hoping beyond hope that Chloe would ask her just that.

After grabbing her jammies from her room, and ignoring Amy's smirk, Beca left her loft bedroom and hurried down to Chloe's room. By 11:00 pm, she was crammed in the tight space of the twin bed, snuggling contentedly with her bestie in the dark, watching Garfield's Christmas Special.

"What? No Charlie Brown?" she chided Chloe playfully.

"That's next," Chloe replied, smiling.

Beca laughed. "You're such a kid!"

"I know. I can't help it though. Especially around the holidays. Sorry." Chloe sounded apologetic.

"Don't be sorry, Chlo," Beca told her, gazing into her blue eyes, occasionally lit up by the glow of the television. "It's just a part of you. It's part of what makes you so… so… wonderful." And Beca looked away, not ashamed to admit how she felt, but embarrassed by it.

Chloe simply beamed, so brightly that it was even visible in the dark. She knew a compliment like that from Beca didn't come lightly, and it was always heartfelt and genuine. She squeezed Beca tightly against her. "Thank you, Becs. I think you're wonderful, too."

"Thanks," her blushing young friend mumbled.

"And I remember all of the fun we had last year, when you stayed with us at Christmas…"

"Yeah, it was a lot of fun- the best! You and your parents spoiled me, as always."

"And I got to be with you on the holiest day of the year," Chloe went on, wistfully.

"Your family church is nice."

"My favorite day of the year spent with my favorite person in the whole, wide world!"

"It was very special," Beca agreed, gently rubbing Chloe on the shoulder.

"But now, this year…" Chloe sniffled, and Beca sighed, because she knew what was coming, "I won't be with my Becs.. and you'll be all alone on Christmas, and we'll both be so sad and-"

"Hey, I won't be alone," Beca reminded her. "I'm going to be with my dad, remember? But I still will miss you."

"You're really going to your dad's for Christmas?" Chloe pressed her, sounding doubtful.

"Yeah," Beca lied, trying to look Chloe in the eye, but finding it difficult to do so. It wasn't as if Beca was a lousy liar, but she had a hard time doing so to her best friend. "He… said he had something… uh, special planned for us."

"I'll have a blue Christmas without you…" Chloe began to sing.

"No, Chlo, don't, babe, please. You're just going to make yourself upset."

And as if on cue, Chloe began to sob.

"Chlo, honey, don't. Calm down."

"It won't be a good Christmas if I can't be with my Beca," she admitted in a whimper, which quickly turned into wailing, as she threw her arms possessively around the short brunette's shoulders, burying her tear stained face into the crook of her neck.

"Chloe," Beca soothed, not minding the tears and the slobber currently covering her neck; not caring about how tightly her beloved friend's arms locked around her. The only thing she did care about was how sad Chloe was, and that she herself was responsible for making her feel that way. And that's when Beca lost it and began to cry, too. "I'm so sorry, Chlo," she whispered against the red hair that splayed over her shoulder and chest. "I want to be with you, too…"

The bed room door flung open and Amy barged in, scaring both of the young women on the bed, as she flipped on the lights. "Oh, Jesus! You two are pathetic!"

"Amy!" Chloe exclaimed.

"Ever heard of knocking?" Beca complained.

"Obviously I haven't," the Australian sighed.

"Well, what if we had been… you know… doing something intimate?" Chloe scolded her.

At this, Amy laughed. "Yeah, right! Red, that would have been fantastic to see! But you're in love with Chicken Little, so that's probably going to take years to happen!"

"Shut up!" Beca shouted at her.

"No, I knew you'd both be bawling like babies at having to be apart this Christmas, but guess what?"

"What?" they both asked sadly.

"The ghost of Christmas present must be taking pity on you two, because I just listened to our phone messages downstairs, and your mom had left you one, Chloe. She said they just had a big, unexpected cold front and there was a huge blizzard last night. The airport is canceling all flights in or out of Portland for the next week! Oh, and your mom wants you to call her tomorrow."

"Whoa, really?" Beca asked, feeling bad for her friend, whom she knew loved to be with her family for the holidays.

"Yeah, she really wants Chloe to call," Amy reiterated.

Beca rolled her eyes. "I got that part, Ames."

"Wait!" Chloe said making sure she'd heard right. "You mean I'll have to stay here… at Barden…" Amy nodded. "… for Christmas?"

"That's right, Red," Amy agreed.

"And I can be with my Beca?" she exclaimed in realization.

"Gee, I suppose you could," Amy replied, and Beca smirked at her.

Chloe let loose with a loud squeal, and she gave Beca's cheek a big, wet kiss. "Oh, my God! I'm so happy! My prayers have been answered!"

Beca glanced over at her in confusion. "You prayed to get snowed out of Oregon?"

"I prayed that I would get to be with you on Christmas!" the exuberant redhead answered, giving Beca another tight squeeze.

Beca finally seemed to put two and two together, and she grinned from ear to ear. "Yeah, we'll be here, together, on Christmas!" She hadn't meant to sound so sentimental and sappy in front of Amy, but at this point, she could have cared less. She wouldn't be alone for Christmas, after all. And she would be with Chloe for all of winter break!

"Oh, love! This is going to be fantastic! You and me together! But you don't think your dad will mind, do you?"

Enjoying all of the hugs and kisses, Beca was a little distracted, and the mention of her father seemed like a weird, foreign notion to her right then. "What do you mean, Chlo?"

"I mean, do you think he'll mind, you know, if I come along with you?"

"Huh? Where?"

"To his house, of course," Chloe reminded her. "Aren't you going over on Christmas?"

"Oh… oh! Yeah, right, his house," Beca mumbled, finally recalling the lie she had told her friend. And that's when it hit her. She was going to have to call him at the last minute and try to make some impromptu plans with him, just so it wouldn't look like she'd been lying through her teeth to Chloe. She swore inwardly. This was going to be painful. To be honest, she didn't even know if he was going to be in town for the holidays.

"Right, at your dad's house," Amy snickered, having known of Beca's plot to stay home alone all to avoid letting down either Chloe or Jesse. Beca had taken the coward's way out, instead of just telling her boyfriend that she preferred the company of women; well, at least, one woman in particular. She wondered how her friend was going to get herself out of this lie. She was amazed at how much of a scaredy cat Miss Badass Beca Mitchell actually was.

Beca gave Amy a warning look to keep her mouth shut. Then she returned her attention to the happy, teary eyed redhead she currently shared a bed with. "I'll just call my dad tomorrow," she told Chloe. "I… I'm sure everything will be just… fine."

"Sure it will," Amy prodded her. "Like a Christmas miracle!"

"Speaking of Christmas miracles, why don't you shut up, Ames?" Beca glowered at her.

Chloe ignored their banter, all smiles and sunshine again. "I am so excited to spend Christmas with you and your family this year, Becs!"

"It'll be… eventful," Amy chuckled.

"Well, just… don't get your hopes up," Beca told her, shooting Amy another dirty look. "My family is not like the Beales, babe, and we don't celebrate holidays the way you guys do." She was suddenly realizing that, even if her father happened to be available on Christmas, her favorite little ginger was bound to be disappointed; possibly even horrified.

"Don't worry, love," Chloe assured her. "As long as I'm with you, I'll be happy!"

"Okay, then," Amy said, smiling at them, "my work here is done. You two pitches have a good night. See you tomorrow. Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas!" they both replied.

PP PP PP

The next morning, the girls all bade a fond farewell to their Bella sisters. Amy was the last to leave them, and the three of them spent some time together before her ride came, drinking eggnog and munching on leftover cookies. Amy surprised them both by giving them each a gift. Chloe received a brunette angel ornament. Beca got the same, except her angel had red hair. The none too subtle gifts were both loved and appreciated. Chloe had already given Amy a gift from the exchange the night before, but Beca also had a special present for her roommate, a Katy Perry CD.

Before they knew it, Amy's ride finally showed up; a hot, muscular, young man with blond hair and dreamy, green eyes. He smiled sweetly at both Beca and Chloe, then grabbed up Amy's luggage and carried them to his car. Amy gave both her friends bone crushing hugs and said she'd see them soon, before the new year.

They watched Amy and the handsome mystery man drive away, standing in the doorway to the Bella house. Once she was out of sight, they came back inside, closing the door behind them.

"Wow!" Chloe mentioned. "Did you see that guy? Looks like Amy is going to have a Merry Christmas."

"Amy's going to be lucky if she can walk by new years," Beca smirked at her friend, and Chloe laughed appreciatively. "And anyway, he wasn't that hot." She gave Chloe a pointed look.

"Well, not in comparison to you, of course," Chloe replied diplomatically. "But come on, Becs, I saw you checking out his… glutes... as he walked away."

"I was not!" Beca argued. "I was… checking out Amy's ass…"

Chloe laughed even harder than before. "Well, yes, she is quite fetching, not to mention… aromatic."

"Gross, Chlo," Beca chuckled.

"Okay, so all of our sisters are gone now for the holidays. I guess you know what we should do now, right?"

Beca looked at her in confusion. "Eh… eat more cookies?"

"No!"

"Kiss under the mistletoe…?"

"Ooh, sounds wonderful, and we'll have to do that later, but right now, I think we need to call our parents. I need to speak to my mom, and you have to call your dad."

"Why?" she murmured and Chloe gave her a look. "Eh, just kidding, Chlo. Right. Call my dad. Tell him to expect one more for dinner. Cool. So… let's go call our parental units, shower, and then meet up in the kitchen, so we can pig out on leftovers. I've got my eye on a glass of eggnog, a turkey sandwich and some of that dressing you made. I'll even watch one of your silly Christmas specials."

"Hey, they're not silly!" Chloe protested, taking Beca's hand and tugging her up the stairs. "They're fun and sweet and happy and beautiful!"

"Like you," Beca whispered, gazing upon her best friend with great love and reverence.

Chloe lifted Beca's hand to her lips, whereupon she kissed it, looking back at her with all of the love and reverence she had seen in the younger woman's eyes. "I love you, Becs."

"Love you, too, Chlo."

"Okay, let's get ready for the day! Christmas awaits!"

Beca smiled at Chloe's excitement for the holiday, even though she felt trepidation. They gave each other's hand a quick squeeze, then retreated to their own rooms to call their parents and get ready for the day.

PP PP PP

While Chloe was in her room, having a heart-to-heart talk with her mom, that often began with lot's of affection and gentle words of love, and ended with tears of love and tenderness, Beca was in her room, attempting to find a way to con her dad into letting she and Chloe come over on Christmas. It was about now that she fervently wished she had let Jesse down, and just gone to Oregon with Chloe, for another magical Christmas with the Beales. It sounded heavenly. And it sure beat coming up with last minute plans with her dad and his evil wife…

She dialed her father's number, kind of hoping that he wouldn't answer. But, alas! "Hello?"

"Oh, um, hey, Dad…"

"Beca? Well, hello! What's up? Are you and Chloe in Portland now?"

"Well, no. I… didn't, I mean, we weren't able to go this year."

"Oh? That's too bad. I know you enjoyed it last year. So, are you spending time with Jesse then?"

Just the mention of her boyfriend's name brought anger and shame to Beca's heart. "No, Dad! Can't you just... Chloe and I are here at Barden for Christmas. I was wondering if it would be okay if we stopped by on Christmas day, or Christmas Eve, if you'd rather?"

"You girls want to spend the holidays with us, Becs?" Dr. Mitchell asked, sounding elated, which made Beca feel guilty, as it was far from the truth.

"Um… sure, I mean, yeah, if it's all right with you, that is," the little DJ stammered, and her father immediately became the tiniest bit suspicious.

"Of course, Becs, we would be happy to see you both. I was just about to go shopping, and I will pick up a few things for Chloe, too."

"That would be nice, thanks."

"But on Christmas Eve, Sheila and I are going to Aunt Edna's for her annual Christmas Eve bash. You two ladies are welcome to join us."

Beca cringed at the mention of the old woman's name. Aunt Edna was her great aunt, about 200 years old, and more than cantankerous. She also loved to point out everyone's faults and upset them, especially around the holidays. She was the exact opposite of Chloe's sweet and feisty Grammy Beale.

Swallowing the lump in her throat, Beca blurted, "She's still living?"

"Oh, yes! She's turning 95 on New Year's Eve, if you can believe it. Still full of piss and vinegar, too," Dr. Mitchell chuckled.

"Okay, but doesn't she still hate me?"

"Beca, she never hated you," her dad assured her. "She just got upset when you broke her priceless Ming vase."

"Jesus, Dad. As if it were a real Ming vase! And anyway, I was five at the time! How long can she hold a grudge?"

"I believe her record is 52 years, with your Uncle Scott. He once clogged the toilet when he dropped his watch into it. It was accidental, of course. He was about eight."

"How old is Uncle Scott now?"

"He's 60."

"Great, so in other words, she still hasn't forgiven him?"

"Eh, it's a little unclear. They don't talk much," her father admitted before trying to gloss things over, so anxious he was to have his daughter actually spend time with him on the holidays. "But Becs, Aunt Edna's in her 90s now. She probably doesn't even remember any of that anymore."

"Do you really believe that, Dad?"

"Uh…"

"That's what I thought!"

"Relax, Beca. It'll be all right."

"I wouldn't want her to be mean to Chloe."

"That shouldn't be a problem," Dr. Mitchell replied brightly. "She's never met Chloe before, so how can she hold a grudge against her?"

"Oh, that sounds reassuring," Beca muttered quietly.

"So… do you want to come along, or not?"

"Um… I… guess…" she groaned, and although he couldn't see her, the man just knew his daughter was rolling her eyes.

"Well, that's terrific," he told her, feigning cheerfulness, although, truthfully, even he was beginning to feel some misgivings. "And why don't you and Chloe stay over on Christmas Eve? Then you can open presents with us in the morning and have Christmas dinner with us."

"Now, when you say us," Beca murmured, "are you saying…?"

"Yes, Beca, Sheila will of course, be joining us, and I expect you to keep a civil tongue."

"But Dad!"

"No buts, Beca. You need to keep your attitude in check."

"That's not fair!" the small senior retorted. "You know Sheila always-"

"She does not," he scolded her. "At least, not every time. And we will not be discussing my wife anymore. Besides, I would think you'd want to make a good impression, for Chloe's sake."

"I don't need to impress Chloe! She's already impressed with me- eh, I mean, as my best friend!"

"Good to know," she could hear her father chuckle. "I'll see you both tomorrow evening at six then. You girls may ride in our car with us out to Aunt Edna's house. I've got to get going now. Goodbye, Becs."

"Goodbye!" Beca hissed at him, then hung up. "Dammit!"

A knock on her door startled her. Chloe didn't wait for an answer, as she barged in, wearing a short, terry cloth robe, and towel drying her hair. "Hey, honey, you didn't take your shower yet?"

"Uh, sorry, no. I was just talking to my dad. Oh, and he's happy to have you come join us this Christmas." At least, that part was true.

Chloe smiled exuberantly. "That's totes terrific, Becs! I am so grateful to be spending the holidays with you and your family this year!"

"Yeah, about that… are you sure you don't want to just stay here, you and me? We could make some vegetarian Christmas food, and then spend the whole night waiting for Santa, and watching your cute, little Christmas movies!"

"No, love. I'm really looking forward to meeting more of your family."

"I wouldn't be too sure about that," the brunette mumbled, thinking about her obnoxious cousins, snobby uncles, her prudish, disapproving Aunt Edna, and of course, her step-monster, Sheila. She shuddered, and Chloe laughed, thinking she was kidding around.

"Don't be silly, Becs! This is going to be great!"

"Right… so, did you get a hold of your mom? Is she… upset you won't be there?"

"Well, she says she misses us both, but she's glad we'll be together, and that everything is okay on their end…" Chloe giggled.

"What's so funny, Red?" Beca asked suspiciously.

"Nothing! All is good, I promise you. So… why don't you get that hot little bod of yours into the shower, while I go heat up some leftovers for lunch? I'll make you a turkey sandwich, with dressing and green bean casserole!" Beca made a face. "Okay, glazed carrots, then?"

"Eh, all right."

"Great! See you in a bit, love!" Chloe kissed her beloved best friend on the forehead, and left the room.

Beca blew out a breath of stress and anxiety. She could not believe the hell she was going to subject herself to just to keep Chloe happy! That old song, The Things You Do For Love, flitted through her mind, but she dismissed it in annoyance, and ventured into the bathroom for a quick shower.

PP PP PP

All during lunch, all through watching Christmas specials, even throughout their time getting ready- wearing their prom dresses from a year and a half before, impeccable makeup and fancy hair dos- Beca kept trying to talk Chloe out of going to her dad's for Christmas and just staying at the Bella House. Each time, Chloe refused. Beca had offered to go Christmas caroling with her, make a gingerbread house, even recite The Night Before Christmas, out loud, by heart, all things she knew the redhead loved doing because they had done it all the year before at the Beales, but Chloe kept insisting that she wanted to meet Beca's family.

Beca then got a little perturbed and whiny about going, and that's when, with tears in her eyes, Chloe asked if Beca was ashamed to introduce her to her relatives. Shocked that Chloe would even think such a thing, Beca had hugged and kissed on her best friend and assured her that was not the case. And she didn't bring up not going again…

PP PP PP

So… on Christmas Eve, at ten minutes to six, Beca and Chloe, wearing their pretty prom dresses and looking quite glamorous, arrived at the home of Dr. Russell Mitchell, and his second wife, Sheila. Before ringing the door bell, Chloe was helping smooth down Beca's dress, which had gotten a little twisted in the car on the way over. Once the task was complete, Chloe stood back a bit, admiring the beauty and poise that her best friend exuded.

"Do I look okay, then?" Beca sighed fretfully, wishing she were anywhere but there.

"You look beautiful, as always, love," Chloe promised encouragingly, reaching out to touch her friend on the arm.

"Thanks, Chlo. You, too. But uh… are you sure you want to do this?" Beca tried one last time. "I could take you out for Chinese and a movie. Oh, and I'll bet there might even be a bowling alley still open, somewhere…"

"Beca, just try to relax. It's only your family. I mean, I'm kind of jealous of them."

"Why?" the brunette asked in confusion.

"Because they've had the opportunity to know and love you your whole life!"

"Yeah, but I very rarely see them."

"Their loss, then. But still, I would have loved growing up with you. We could have been best buds from the beginning, and we could have gone to our real proms together, and married right out of college, and-"

"Chloe!" Beca laughed, even though she was surprised by what her friend was saying. "Give us a break. I mean, we still are in college, babe. But don't worry. You and I are forever! We'll always be together, I promise." She noticed her friend tearing up a little, as she was very sentimental. "Now, don't get all weepy, Chlo! You're such a sweet, precious, tender person, and I'm glad you're with me. But… I just don't want you to get your hopes up about tonight. I don't want you to be too disappointed on Christmas."

"How could I be disappointed?" Chloe replied, with a face like an angel, and eyes filled with love, all of which was concentrated solely on Beca. "I'll be with you."

Beca reached up to caress her beloved bestie's cheek. "I really am grateful you're here with me now, Chlo, and I'm grateful you're a part of my life," she blurted, unable to hold back, as she welled up with emotion.

The porch light suddenly blared on, creating a spotlight on the two women, and the front door opened to reveal Beca's father. He smiled at them. "Hello, ladies. Are you ready to come in now?"

The young DJ was absolutely mortified that her father had witnessed such an intimate moment between she and Chloe. Although their Bella sisters were privy to certain aspects of their relationship- particularly Amy- as well as Chloe's parents, brother, and grandmother knew there was something… unusual about their friendship, even Beca herself often had trouble defining her feelings for Chloe into any cognizant thought. So, she was sure, to an outsider, such as her father, things might look a little bit weird.

Since Beca currently seemed incapable of speech at this moment, Chloe picked up the slack, taking Beca's hand and leading her inside. "Hello, Dr. Mitchell," the redhead replied cheerfully. "I know we haven't really officially met, but I'm Chloe Beale, Beca's best friend, and co-captain of the Bellas. I just wanted to thank you for allowing me to join you, at the last minute, in your holiday plans. We're so excited to be here!" And Chloe held out a hand to him.

Dr. Mitchell glanced from the sweet-faced, smiling Chloe to his daughter, who, in fact, did not look excited to be there. He noticed that Beca was staring at him with a nervous expression, and that's when he realized something. Beca wasn't worried about her friend not impressing her family. She was worried about her family not impressing her friend. He knew that Chloe and his daughter worked together in the Bella organization, went to school together. He knew they spent a lot of time together and had heard Beca mention, on occasion, that Chloe was her best friend. Obviously, Chloe was incredibly important to Beca, and vice versa, and Dr. Mitchell couldn't help wondering if there was maybe something more going on between them.

Realizing that Chloe had extended a hand to him, Dr. Mitchell reached for it, smiling warmly at her. He not only shook her hand, but gave her a quick and somewhat awkward hug, although Chloe managed to embrace him back much more gracefully. She seemed pleasantly surprised by the affection. Beca was actually stunned. Her dad was never big on hugging. He didn't even hug her much anymore, especially after she had told him she hated hugs back in the tenth grade.

"Welcome, Chloe," Dr. Mitchell said, oblivious to Beca's surprise. "We are so excited to have both of you with us on Christmas this year. And may I say, you both look absolutely stunning this evening." And before Beca knew what was happening, her old man reached for her, enveloping her a quick, but tight hug, kissing her forehead. He had a feeling that she wouldn't make a big stink about all of the parental affection with Chloe here. Turns out, he was right! "Merry Christmas, Becs!" he added, grinning at his only child with pure love in his eyes.

"Uh, yeah... hi, Dad," Beca replied, still in shock over the hug. She knew for a fact that her dad would never have tried that if Chloe hadn't been here. She was sure he could tell she was trying to be on her best behavior around her friend.

Dr. Mitchell gestured them beyond the foyer into the living room, which sported spotless, expensive furniture and artwork, as well as a giant fireplace. It had also been decorated elaborately for Christmas, with little holiday touches throughout the room, and house. Beca glanced over to see her best friend looking around with childlike glee. It made her grin.

"Your house is so beautiful, sir," Chloe marveled, glancing up at the high vaulted ceilings, and the holly draped about the staircase.

"Well, thank you, Chloe," the man replied graciously. He had noticed his daughter rolling her eyes at all of the Christmas décor, while her friend was in awe. They seemed to be polar opposites. "Please, call me Russell," he added.

Chloe offered one of her intoxicating, full-wattage, Chloe Beale smiles. "Thank you, Dr. Mit- eh, I mean, Russell." She glanced over at Beca, beaming with pride. Beca smiled back at her.

"Why don't you two young ladies have a seat over there on the sofa?" Russell suggested. "I need to check on my wife's progress in getting ready. We'll be down in a moment." He excused himself and headed upstairs to check on his wife.

Beca took Chloe's hand and led her over to the smaller love seat near the fireplace. They took a seat, sitting so closely together, their bodies were touching. Chloe was quick to notice her friend's look of trepidation.

"What's the matter, love?"

"I'm… fine…"

When Chloe reached up to touch Beca's fair cheek, she caressed it lovingly, before Beca grabbed her hand again, holding onto it tightly, her palm clammy, as it gripped desperately to her own.

"Becs, you don't act like you're fine. It's almost as if… oh!" and Chloe's eyes grew wide in realization and regret. "Oh, no! I forgot that you don't get on very well with your step mom. Hey, I get it now, why you've been pestering me about it all day. Honey, if you want to leave, we can. You can tell your dad it's my fault, say I got sick or something. We can-"

"No, it's all right, Chlo. I don't want to deprive you of a family Christmas. I know that's important to you."

"Beca, you're my family, and you're what's most important to me! I don't want you doing something that won't be good for you, just for my sake."

Russell Mitchell had been about to enter his bedroom, but upon hearing the conversation in the living room, he'd paused to see what was going on with his daughter, and he heard the entire exchange. Beca clearly did not want to be here, which made him sad. But the devotion and understanding he'd witnessed between his daughter and her lovely, best friend absolutely floored him! He had never seen Beca be this open with anyone else like this before, including with her mother, with him, or even that Jesse kid he'd met once or twice on campus, who Beca had shyly, almost reluctantly introduced to him as her boyfriend.

He also noticed Beca and Chloe holding hands, something else he never saw his daughter do with anyone. She hadn't even permitted him, her own father, to hold her hand, beyond the age of seven! So what happened next caused his jaw to drop.

"Come here, sweetheart," Chloe whispered, and Beca willingly fell into the redhead's tender embrace. "I want you to be happy, Becs. It's Christmas! That's what would make me happy. What do you want to do? Do you want to leave?"

"Well," Beca began in a quiet whimper, and Russell had a hard time hearing what she was saying. "I think I just want to-"

"Sorry I took so long," Sheila, Dr. Mitchell's wife, announced loudly, as she left the master bedroom. "Are we all ready to go now?" She looked at her husband in confusion, as he stood, seemingly lurking at the top of the staircase, but she missed seeing Beca and Chloe breaking their embrace and standing, putting a little distance between them. "Russ? What are you doing up here, honey?"

"Eh, waiting for you, dear," he lied smoothly, offering her his arm and gallantly leading her down the stairs to the living room where their guests reluctantly awaited.

Chloe looked up to get her first look at Sheila Mitchell, Beca's step monster. Sheila was middle-aged, about the same age as Beca's father. She had blond hair, fair skin, and her eyes were hazel. She was dressed in a beautiful outfit that fit impeccably, and looked very expensive. She seemed nice enough looking. And she was wearing an expression that, while pleasant, was barely disguising an underlying nervousness that Chloe could only assume stemmed from her less-than-ideal relationship with her step-daughter.

Remembering her job as hostess- as good manners were an important part of her upbringing- Sheila said, "Good evening, girls. We are so happy to have you into our home for Christmas."

Chloe, who was also raised to have good manners, as well as kindness, and graciousness, smiled cordially at the woman she knew her best friend despised. "Hello," she replied, pleasantly. "It's so nice to meet you. I'm Chloe Beale, Beca's best friend!" She looked proudly over at that best friend, then extended her hand to the step-monster.

Dr. Mitchell grinned at Chloe's obvious affection for his daughter. He noticed that even Beca had let a small smile slip.

"It's so nice to meet you, Chloe," Sheila stated, finding it much easier to talk to her step-daughter's friend than she did with her step-daughter. She took the outstretched hand, and received a very warm, firm handshake. "I'm Sheila, Russell's wife, and Beca's… uh, it's a pleasure. Beca, how are you, dear?" she managed to ask. She was doing her best to keep a civil tongue around her husband's only child.

Russell Mitchell cleared his throat and gave his daughter a pointed look when she did not immediately respond. Beca rolled her eyes, and wouldn't look at anyone when she mumbled, "Hi, Sheila. I'm fine."

Chloe made sure to stand close to Beca, even reached down to squeeze her hand. She wanted to convey that she was sorry that Beca had to subject herself to all of this, especially for Chloe's own sake. But she also wanted her to know that she would be there for her the whole time. Seeing as how close and connected the two, young women were, Beca easily got the message, and squeezed Chloe's hand back. She never liked to believe or admit to needing anyone ever, but she definitely needed Chloe's support now. And she was not ashamed to say so- at least, secretly, anyway. But Chloe understood. She always did.

"Well, um, shall we head out now, ladies?" Russell asked, breaking the silence, but not the awkwardness.

Both Beca and Sheila nodded silently, giving each other furtive glances, trying to figure each other out. Chloe, however, in a happy, clear tone of voice, said, "Sure, Russell! Let's hit the road and start off on our Christmas adventure!" She offered another smile that could melt even the coldest heart.

The foursome left the house. Beca made a beeline for her dad's new Lexus, grabbing Chloe's arm and keeping her close, while the two older adults stayed behind to lock up the front door.

"Becs, are you sure you're all right, love?" Chloe inquired softly, her tone one of gentleness and concern.

"Please," Beca whispered, leaning in close, "just don't leave my side at all tonight, okay?"

"We're conjoined twins, tonight, Becs, on my honor!" Chloe vowed, crossing her heart. She made Beca chuckle.

"So, like normal, huh?"

"Of course, love," Chloe promised.

"God, I just want to go home," the brunette sighed quietly. "I just want it to be you and me tonight."

"I'm so sorry I put you through this," Chloe replied, with a pained expression.

"What?" Beca asked in surprise. "I mean, you didn't. I was supposed to come anyway, remember?"

Chloe didn't say anything, but she knew the truth of the situation. Her mother, who had been informed of everything by Amy, had told her about Beca's inability to choose between her boyfriend, Jesse, who she did care about, and Chloe, the true love of her life, who she never wanted to hurt, to go with for Christmas, so she had made up the story about going to her father's for the holiday. But Chloe staying here at Barden had forced her hand. Now, Chloe regretted it. She should never have pushed for this, she should have listened. It made her feel horrible for putting the woman she loved in this predicament.

Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell arrived at the vehicle. He unlocked it with the push of a button, and his wife got in right away. He paused and stared back at Beca and Chloe. "You girls all right?" he asked in concern. Both of them seemed upset about something.

"Um…" Chloe stuttered on the answer, not sure what to say. Plus, she was a lousy liar.

"We're fine," Beca spoke up for both of them, eager to just get into the car.

Once in the backseat, Chloe buckled herself in, and Beca scooted into the middle seat, buckling up, as well. She really wanted to be close to her friend. Her father peeked at them through the rear view mirror, noticing, too, how close they sat, and that Beca sought Chloe's hand.

Several times during the forty-five minute drive to Aunt Edna's house, Dr. Mitchell tried to engage his daughter into a full conversation. Each time, he failed. It seemed that while she had reconciled with him somewhat, forgiving him, finally, for divorcing her mother, the fact that he'd married Sheila, the 'step-monster', was still a sore subject. Sheila wasn't behaving all that much better. She had never been enthusiastic about having a step-daughter. She'd never had children of her own, and never really wanted them. She loved her husband and her friends, traveling, and her career. She'd never had time for kids, and especially since Beca had always been something of a handful, to say the least, she had grown to dislike her husband's only child, nearly as much as Beca had hated her.

So, Sheila was on her phone the entire drive, Beca remained sullen and silent. Thank God for Chloe Beale! Dr. Mitchell had spent most of the drive chatting it up with the friendly, pleasant redhead. He learned a lot about her just by listening to her speak. Her personality seemed to be the exact opposite of his daughter's. Chloe was quite the conversationalist, well informed on a number of subjects, and also a good listener, whereas Beca was never much for conversation, inane or otherwise. Nor was she all that pleasant when she did open up her mouth to voice her opinion on a number of things. Chloe was also very outgoing, and read like an open book. Beca could be furtive, downright secretive, and was hard to understand. Chloe's general outlook on life was very sunny and optimistic. Beca was surly, and often pessimistic. At least, she always used to be. He had seen his daughter blossom in college, working hard with her studies, as well as enjoying her time spent performing in the Bellas, and also hanging out with all of the other women… particularly, Chloe.

After such an excruciatingly drawn out car ride, where only Chloe would talk to him, Dr. Mitchell pulled the Lexus up into the long driveway of the infamous Aunt Edna. Russell looked a little nervous; Sheila looked as if she were dreading the upcoming evening. Beca looked terrified. And Chloe looked more than a little confused over everyone's reactions to a holiday family gathering.

With a world weary sigh that actually resembled some of Beca's, Dr. Mitchell parked and turned off the engine of the car. They all sat in silent grim anticipation, until he said, "All right, my merry little group, let's go spread some holiday cheer."

"Yay!" Chloe said earnestly.

"Oh, I hope your aunt will serve those little wieners, like last year," Sheila mentioned, primping for a moment in her compact, preparing for her entrance.

"You mean Jeff and Ryan?" Beca couldn't help but mutter allowed, remembering what little shits they were to her the last time she'd come to this god forsaken place.

"Russ," Sheila sighed, sounding angry, "I don't want to be embarrassed by your daughter the way I was the last time she came along."

Both he and Beca automatically knew what Sheila was referring to. When Beca was fourteen, her mom had wanted to buy her daughter some music equipment for Christmas. It had been incredibly expensive, however, and to make up for all the money she'd spent, the woman had been forced to take extra shifts at the hospital she worked for as a nursing assistant. She'd been excited to give her child a special gift, but the compromise was working through most of the holidays, including Christmas day, so she'd worked it out with her ex-husband to have Beca spend Christmas with he and his wife, Sheila.

It had been the first- and last- time Beca had spent Christmas, or any other holiday, with the two of them… until now. During that visit, Beca had taken to speak in a vulgar manner to nearly everyone, and almost punched Sheila in the face when she had insulted her mother's parenting, accusing the overworked woman of not giving her enough discipline. Later, at Aunt Edna's Christmas Eve party, Beca closed herself off from the rest of the family, especially after her two teenage cousins, Jeff and Ryan, had begun teasing her for being the poor relative that nobody really liked, and also insulting her mother. She then had snuck into the kitchen, where her father later caught her drinking up all the liquor, drunk as a skunk. After she had thrown up all over the back of Sheila's seat in the car on the drive home, the young Beca had spent the better part of Christmas in her room, sleeping off a terrific hangover.

Dr. Mitchell sighed. He'd been hoping nobody would bring that up. Leave it to his wife to do so. He knew that Beca was now a responsible young adult, who did well in school, and was dedicated to her a Capella group, the Bellas. He further knew that she seemed to be very wrapped up in her best friend, Chloe, and wanted to impress her. He had overheard them talking about making each other happy, and realized now that they were only with him on Christmas because they hadn't gone to Oregon for whatever reason, and Beca had wanted Chloe to have a family Christmas. Russell was therefore quite sure that his daughter had no intention of acting up, or getting drunk at her great aunt's Christmas party. He was more worried that his wife might start acting up, by way of insults and criticisms under her breath. In an effort to appease who he deigned to be the more volatile one this evening, he turned to his daughter and said, "Beca, honey, let's keep things civil, all right?" He was rewarded with a smirk from Sheila…

… and an explosion of anger from Beca!

"What the hell, Dad?!" she shouted at him, causing him to visibly shrink back. "I would have been fine if people hadn't started shit with me!"

"I understand that some of the other kids gave you some trouble," Russell started to say.

Beca glared at Sheila, who had her head turned to look in the back seat, returning the hostile glare with one of her own. "No, Dad," the little DJ told him, "not all of the assholes that night were kids!"

"Russ, I cannot do this tonight!" Sheila hissed, turning back to stare at her husband, who seemed dismayed and hurt by the entire debacle. "If anything, your daughter should be going in and making the rounds, apologizing to every one of your family members for the ass she made of herself last time!"

"Fuck you, you awful witch!" Beca screamed at her.

Before Russell had a chance to intervene, he heard Chloe gasp in shock. He looked back at her and was surprised to realize the young woman was not in shock over Beca's dramatic exclamation, but rather, hurt, over the pain she knew Beca must be feeling. He saw her reach for Beca's hand, which she held gently, trying to sooth her by softly caressing it.

"I think you should just wait in the car tonight, Beca," Sheila seethed. "That way, maybe your family can actually have a nice evening."

"Gladly!"

"Beca, honey," Russell said, trying to convey kindness and calmness, "everyone in there loves and cares about you. You are their family." He knew that was a lie. Most of his family had been disapproving of his marriage to Beca's mother, just as they were disapproving of the way his daughter had turned out, Aunt Edna most of all. The saddest part to him was not that he knew he was lying, but that he knew his daughter knew he was lying. No kid should have to feel that way.

"I don't think so," she whispered, tears spilling down her cheeks.

"Russ, let's just go in now," Sheila muttered. "Beca is old enough to look after herself out here."

"Sheila, please, just stop," he warned her, not wishing to upset his daughter any more than she already was.

"Um, Dr. Mitchell- eh, Russell," Chloe's gentle, soothing voice interjected into the conversation for the first time.

"Huh?"

"Might I have some time alone out here with Beca? A private word, for just a few minutes?" she asked.

"Take all the time you need!" Sheila replied, glad to hand off her unruly step child to this friendly stranger. All at once, they exited the vehicle.

To everyone's surprise, including Beca's, Chloe gave the step-monster an angry look, something that no one was ever accustomed to seeing on her lovely face. "It won't take long," she told her in a voice that was shaking in anger. "Beca is a beautiful soul who just needs a little understanding and tenderness when things get tough. That's something that her Bella family knows easily enough!" Beca continued to stare at her friend in shock. While she had seen Chloe angry before, seen her stand up for her before, as well, she had never seen her this upset. She realized that Chloe had the good conscience to use restraint, even while livid with anger. She didn't understand why, although years later, Chloe would explain that she didn't want to completely alienate what she hoped one day would become her in-laws.

Unable to stand the judgmental glare the redhead was throwing her way, Sheila turned away, with a grunt, and slammed the car door shut before rushing up the steps to Aunt Edna's large, Victorian home. She forced herself to calm as she rang the doorbell.

"Chloe," Dr. Mitchell began, "perhaps you and Beca should-"

"Please, just give us a moment," she pleaded, her normally sunny blue eyes, clouded over in heartbreak.

Russell Mitchell still could not get over how Chloe had stood up to Sheila on Beca's behalf. He was liking her more and more each passing second. He knew his wife had overreacted and treated his daughter badly. "Okay, ladies," he agreed, nodding at the redhead, who stood next to his only child, her arm draped protectively around her quivering shoulders, "I'll go on in, but if you need… anything, just text me and I'll be right out."

Beca tried to respond, but couldn't, her throat tight in anger and pain, so Chloe replied, "Thank you, sir, we will."

Dr. Mitchell nodded, and reluctantly left his daughter, who he knew was hurting badly, alone with her loving best friend. He reached his wife, just as the door was being opened to admit them. With one, longing last look at his child, he went inside and shut the door behind him.

Once alone, Chloe backed up Beca up against the car, and leaned against her, holding her tightly. "Oh, my God, Becs! Honey, I'm so, so sorry! This was obviously a mistake coming here tonight. I didn't mean for any of this to happen, or for you to go through this hell, especially on Christmas."

"I know I've probably been acting pretty immature," Beca admitted quietly, "but Sheila is- I mean, I just can't with her, you know?"

"I know, darling, I know! And she is the one acting childish, Becs, not you!" Chloe informed her fiercely. "And I will no longer tolerate anyone being cruel to you!"

"Chloe," the small brunette whimpered, managing a small smile, "I told you, my family isn't like yours."

"I'm sorry," Chloe sniffled.

"You have nothing to be sorry about," Beca told her, resting her weary head on the older woman's capable shoulder. "I'm sorry you had to be subjected to all of this bullshit. Next year, we're going back to your parents' house for Christmas. I want you to have a happy holiday."

"But I want you to have a happy holiday, too, Becs," Chloe insisted, still teary eyed. "So, I have my cell phone and some cash. I can call us an uber, have them take us back to pick up Herbie and go home. We can order Chinese take out."

"Chloe," Beca said, blowing out a breath, "I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I kind of want to stick this out tonight. I want to prove to my step-monster how wrong she is."

"She is wrong," Chloe replied, her beautiful face scowling most cutely.

"Yeah, she is," Beca agreed. She may have lacked confidence when it came to her (secret) internship at the record company, and she may have lacked any sort of surety when it came to the future of the Bellas, but when it came to facing her family tonight, Beca was sure of herself, and she did have confidence, at least, as long as she had Chloe by her side.

"I won't blame you if you want to avoid this train wreck, babe," Beca said, softly, "and just leave, but I'm hoping you'll stay… with me. You… you make me feel brave, Chlo. I really need you."

"Beca, I will never leave you, darling," Chloe avowed, hugging her friend even more tightly to her. "And for the record, I need you, too. You're so brave and talented, and you inspire me every day."

"I do?" the little DJ asked, blinking back some more tears.

Chloe pulled back a little to look into her beloved's face. "More than anyone else I know." And she reiterated that fact by leaning down and kissing Beca softly on the lips.

"Thanks, Chlo," Beca whispered, trying her best not to cry like a baby. She took her beloved friend's hand. "Now, let's do this!"

PP PP PP

Dr. Mitchell, ashamed to be doing so, was peeking out the front window at his daughter and her friend in the driveway for the past few minutes. He wasn't trying to be nosy. He was just concerned about his only child, after the argument she'd had with his wife. Honestly, he had half expected both of them to take off own the street to call an uber and get the hell out of Dodge. But after just a couple of minutes spent snuggling with her friend, the formerly upset and angry Beca was practically melting into the redhead's arms. And then there was that brief lip lock they shared… And so it was, that his offspring looked suddenly ready to take on the world… or at least, an evening with his family.

Noticing them coming up the front steps, Russell quickly moved away from the window and rushed over to the front door. When they knocked, he let them in, smiling happily that they had decided to stay. He led them around to several family members, including Jeff and Ryan, the (former) teenage cousins and tormentors of Beca. These young men were now in their mid-twenties, much more well behaved, and to Beca's surprise, they apologized to her for their rude remarks to her all those years ago. Beca smiled awkwardly at them, accepting their apology, but moments later, narrowed her eyes at them, as they looked lustfully upon her beautiful guest.

"And who do we have here?" Jeff asked, smiling, in what he deemed a suave, debonair manner, at the delectable redhead.

"Yeah, Beckles," Ryan said, using an old nickname he used to torture the small DJ with as children, "introduce us."

"No," Beca muttered, tugging on Chloe's arm.

Chloe pulled back, but offered her small friend a wink. "No, it's all right, darling, I'd love to meet your cousins." She leaned in and gave Beca a soft, sensual kiss on her neck, before turning her attention to the two, young men, their eyes agog at the scene unfolding before them. "Hello, I'm Chloe Beale, Beca's… special… friend."

"What?" Jeff exclaimed in shock. "No, way!"

"You mean you guys are…" Ryan began, and for a lack of better words, made a few lewd hand gestures.

"Well, that's not exactly how it goes, dear, but that's basically the gist of it," Chloe told him, giggling.

"Holy shit!" both men murmured in surprise, staring blatantly at the two Bellas, Beca, with her cheeks pink and her eyes wide, Chloe, grinning like a Cheshire cat.

"Well, bye," Beca said quickly, grabbing her friend's hand and pulling her away from the two gawking idiots.

"Seriously, Chlo?" she whispered in shock. "My family always thought I was a delinquent, but now… now…"

"Now, they think you have awesome, lesbian sex!" Chloe replied brightly, and Beca nearly choked on her laughter.

"Okay," she finally said, wiping tears of mirth out of her eyes, "at least that's an improvement."

"I'll say."

"Come on," Beca urged, "we should go hang outside, before we get stuck talking to-"

"Hello, Rebecca," a cold, ancient voice crackled, as an equally ancient looking woman approached, her expression stern, her tone, curt.

"Let me guess," Chloe whispered, "That's…"

"Hello, Aunt Edna," Beca sighed. "And it's Beca."

The old lady stared at Chloe, first in confusion, as if trying to figure out if this was some other distant relative she was facing, and she finally came to the conclusion that she didn't know her. "Who's this person you've brought into my house? Who's this stranger?" She squinted, scrutinizing the young redhead for another moment. "You're a ginger. What are you? Some kind of Irish hooligan?"

Beca rolled her eyes, and was about to come up with some scathing retort, but Chloe giggled at the description, and held out a hand to the old lady.

"Hello, Ms. Edna, I'm Chloe Beale, Beca's…"

"Irish hooligan," Beca added, snickering.

Chloe laughed outright, striking Ms. Edna as a trouble maker, just like Beca was. She made a face of disgust. "It seems as though you're still a smart alec, Rebecca, and it looks as though you keep similar company. You're my nephew's child, therefore, family, and I can't get past that, but your friend here, I don't care for her to be in my house!"

Before Chloe could apologize, or cry, which, Beca thought she seemed on the verge of doing both, the young DJ was quick to defend her best friend from the nasty crone stooped over, standing in front of them. "Well, you see, Aunt Edna, I'm here because of my dad, not for you, and if you don't care for Chloe in your house, then you can just kick us both out!"

Aunt Edna, despite being disapproving of nearly everyone, had never been one to kick out family members. She needed them around, so she had someone to complain to. "But that's not-" she sputtered, only to be interrupted by Beca again.

"Oh, and, by the way, auntie, Chloe isn't just my friend, she's my… special friend, and we are a packaged deal."

Chloe's blue eyes grew wide. Seems as if the Mitchell clan were getting the surprise of their lives tonight. She was all too happy to play along. "Thanks, lover," she whispered, making sure she was loud enough for the old woman to hear her. She kissed Beca's cheek, and gently patted her bottom.

"Ooh, I know what I'm getting for Christmas," Beca replied, winking at Chloe and kissing her back, all in front of her very religious, old fashioned, and homophobic great aunt.

The elderly woman, usually famous for her hurtful declarations and scathing comments, stood there, flustered for the longest time. All she could finally get out was, "You two disgust me!" And she hurried off as fast as her arthritic legs could carry her, clad in knee highs and old lady slippers.

Once she was out of sight, the two Bellas shared a good laugh.

"Wow, that was…"

"Jesus, Chlo, you just keep outing me to all my family members!"

"Technically, this one was on you, love," the redhead reminded her.

"True."

"Be prepared to get a lot of rainbow merchandise next Christmas," Chloe giggled.

"It's more likely that I'll be shunned from the family," Beca told her, laughing, but Chloe's mood changed.

"Wait… really?" She looked surprised and dismayed. "You mean, they would actually do that… to you…?"

Realizing she had upset her, Beca thought up a pretty lie to soothe her bestie. "Nah, probably not, babe. Just kidding. Look, let's just find some place to lay low for the rest of the party. I'm sure the rumors are running the mill as we speak. We could go outside? There's a fireplace out back, and there's usually stuff set up to make s'mores. Wanna go?"

"Okay!"

"Cool." Beca took Chloe's hand, leading her towards the kitchen, where the back door was, when her friend suddenly gasped, glancing across the room, her eyes looking excited.

"Beca! Look!" she exclaimed.

From the euphoric expression on her face, Beca half expected to see Santa Claus coming down the chimney, or something. "What?" she asked, in confusion.

"Oh, my God, it's beautiful," the redhead gasped, pulling Beca along, and running her other hand over Aunt Edna's grand piano, over by the front window.

Beca was understandably bewildered. "Uh, Chlo, it's a piano…"

"Yeah, a Steinway, very exquisite!"

"Um, can't believe I have to remind you of this, hon, but you're an a Capella girl, remember?"

"Yeah?"

"You know? Barden Bellas? Seven years of your life?"

"So?"

"So, you're supposed to be all about keeping it strictly… heh heh… oral."

"Well, yeah, when it comes to a Capella, but I love to play piano. Didn't you notice the piano at my parents' house?"

"Almost ran into it the first night I ever went there," Beca recalled.

"I can play it, you know," Chloe told her. "Started having lessons when I was just six."

"Really?" Beca asked in frank surprise.

"Oh, totes! I can also play drums and bass guitar."

Beca's surprise elevated to shock. "Okay, who are you, and what have you done with the real Chloe Beale?"

Chloe laughed. "Yes, I prefer a Capella, but that doesn't mean I can't play instruments."

"Wow, Chlo! Mind blown!" Beca admitted, smiling at her. "Hey, how come you never told me about this?"

The redhead shrugged. "You never asked me." She sat down on the smooth bench of the piano, her fingers gently skimming over the keys.

"Sound reasoning," Beca chuckled, sitting down next to her on the bench. "So, are you going to play something?"

"Do you think I should? I mean, would your aunt mind? I think she kind of hates me."

Beca smiled sweetly at her. "There's no 'kind of' about it, babe. But don't sweat it. She hates me, too, so you're in good company."

"The best," Chloe agreed, giving her friend's hand a squeeze. "But… do you think I should?"

"Go for it, Chlo," Beca urged her. "No one else is playing it."

The redhead nodded, and began to play an all too familiar Christmas song. Beca had to admit that she was impressed. Chloe was an excellent pianist. All those lessons must have paid off. And when Chloe began to sing along to her music, it warmed Beca's heart.

"Don't want a lot for Christmas. There is just one thing I need…

I don't care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree.

I just want you for my own, more than you could ever know…

Make my wish come true! All I want for Christmas… is… you!"

Beca smiled lovingly at her beloved bestie, and began to sing along. She barely noticed, as family members began to meander over to the beautiful sound. Soon, they were surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins, all watching and listening with great interest.

Everyone loved the girls' impromptu holiday concert, clapping along to the music, a few of them whispering that Beca had finally grown up and found herself a wonderful woman. Once faced with a family member coming out, as it were, and especially bringing such an enchanting, beautiful significant other to the party, they were all suddenly very pro-LGBTQ!

"I don't want a lot for Christmas, this is all I'm asking for!

I just wanna see my baby, standing there outside my door.

I just want you for my own, more than you could ever know.

Make my wish come true! Baby, all I want for Christmas… is… you… baby!"

Once they finished the song, everyone around them cheered, including Dr. Mitchell, who had been lurking nearby, keeping an eye on them, especially after being congratulated on the new daughter-in-law he now apparently had. He was enchanted by the two lovely, young women, as they entertained the masses. This shindig was really picking up! He looked on as several of the party goers begged to hear another song.

Soon, the two Bellas went through a number of Christmas carols, including Sleigh Ride, O Holy Night, Frosty the Snowman, The Little Drummer Boy, and finally, Chloe sang a most hilarious rendition of All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth, whereupon she found some black licorice in a candy dish, sticking them over her teeth, and she even sang with a lisp, which had everyone in stitches, including Beca.

They were all having a great time, and for the first time, Beca felt as if she might actually belong in this family. But the mirth was to be cut short when Aunt Edna shuffled in and shut it all down, by announcing that dinner was served in the formal dining room. Everyone sighed, and begrudgingly followed the old lady. Beca hurried in, keeping her hand tightly woven with Chloe's, making sure they got seats together.

But the girls' concert, or rather, the joy it emitted from the group, had followed them all to the dinner table, making the meal a much more lively affair. Both Beca and her new girlfriend, Chloe, were definitely the stars of the evening, and they were barraged with questions and compliments from various family members. When Russell Mitchell would glance their way, he would see them smiling, sometimes over a compliment, usually at each other. He could tell they were having a good time.

When people started asking for pie, Beca gave Chloe's hand a squeeze from under the table, urging her to follow her out of the dining room.

"But there's pie…" Chloe whispered, and Beca laughed.

"Don't worry, babe. Aunt Edna always goes overboard on desserts. There will still some left. I just need a little breather."

Chloe nodded, and dutifully followed her beloved out of the room. Whispering and giggling together, the two women found themselves in the study, longing for a quiet moment alone.

Beca wrapped her arms around Chloe's waist, and Chloe immediately wrapped hers about Beca's slim shoulders.

"You know, this evening should have been a disaster," Beca told her, gazing lovingly at her. "But it wasn't. It's actually been… fun! And it's all because of you, Chlo. Thank you, babe."

Chloe blushed, something she rarely ever did. "Well, I'd say we were both responsible for the successful evening, Becs… and you're very welcome."

They embraced warmly. That's when Beca glanced up and noticed something. "Mistletoe…" she murmured, causing Chloe to look up at the ceiling where, sure enough, fresh mistletoe hung above their heads.

"Oh, you know what that means," the redhead replied seductively.

Beca chuckled, preparing herself to receive another sweet Chloe smooch, like she had been getting from her friend all season. A kiss on the cheek, the nose, the forehead, even the neck… she'd received them all. But when she looked into Chloe's bright blue eyes, she noticed the seriousness, the need shining through, and she realized that this was going to be much different.

And it was. Chloe reached up and tilted Beca's chin slightly upward, tentatively pressing her lips to Beca's, going slow, taking her time, and gently, sensually, sucking Beca's lower lip into her mouth. After several wonderful seconds, Chloe reluctantly pulled away, uncertain if her intentions were truly welcome. She gazed scrutinously into Beca's face, which was obviously reeling from that kiss.

"Merry Christmas, Becs," the redhead whispered.

"M-merry Christmas, Chlo."

Neither noticed Beca's father standing in the doorway, his mouth agape. Wow, so Beca and Chloe really are… I mean, leave it my daughter to have such a beautiful girlfriend… Wait! Beca's gay?! Whoa… Dr. Mitchell left the vicinity in a hurry, anxious to respect their privacy.

PP PP PP

Later, Chloe snagged a large piece of coconut cream pie, and shared it with Beca, feeding her with her own fork, much to the delight of the family, who continued to gawk, as nobody here had ever knowingly been so close to a same sex couple before, and amazed to see Beca, so troubled back in her youth, very happy with the beautiful redhead by her side.

Once they finished their dessert, Beca and Chloe dazzled the other guests with a few more Christmas carols at the piano, Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, Little Saint Nick, Run, Run, Rudolph, and, at Chloe's insistence, a beautiful rendition of Silent Night, which even had old Aunt Edna swaying back and forth with her eyes closed, humming along. Dr. Mitchell apologetically stepped up to inform them that it was time to leave. They nodded, glad the evening had gone so well, but happy to be on their way.

A bunch of relatives surrounded them, giving them both hugs, compliments, and cash money for Christmas. Beca was shocked, Chloe delighted that everyone was treating her bestie with the love and respect she deserved. Uncomfortable with all of the affection- unless it was on her terms, and usually when it came from Chloe- Beca took hold of the redhead's arm, gently guiding her away from the crowd. They turned to bound towards the front door, and nearly ran smack dab into Aunt Edna.

"These are for you and your… partner," the elderly woman began awkwardly, passing out her customary gift to the under 30 set- $50 gift cards to Dilliards or Macy's- and reaching out gnarled arms, for a quick embrace to both of the Bellas.

"Oh, thank you, Miss Edna," Chloe beamed graciously.

"Um, yeah, thanks," Beca echoed the sentiment, albeit less graciously.

"I can't say that I would normally approve your chosen lifestyle, Rebecca," her great-aunt began, causing Beca to cringe at her given name, as well as the assumption that an LGBTQ relationship was a choice, or equated to a lifestyle, "but I can see that you have grown up, improved your outlook, and found a… person that suits you well. Take good care of each other, and we'll see you next Christmas."

"You want us to come back?" Beca asked, her eyes growing wide. She was frankly surprised. Aunt Edna was showing kindness, something she rarely doled out, especially to the likes of her.

Before Beca could go and say something stupid, ruining the heartfelt moment, Chloe interjected, "That would be lovely, Ms. Edna. We would be delighted to do so." She ignored her friend's incredulous look.

Neither woman would be able to keep that promise, though, as Aunt Edna would pass away right before Halloween on the following year, leaving in her will, to her great-niece (and her partner), her real, priceless Ming vase.

Joining hands, the two young women left the party, and joined Russell Mitchell, and Sheila, at the car in the drive way. They climbed happily into the back seat, whispering about what they should get with their gift cards (Beca wanted to cash hers in, as Macy's wasn't really her style, until Chloe said she could stock up on household items that she might need, after graduation), while Russell drove the darkened path with great care, and Sheila checked a few messages on her phone.

Turning on the radio for a little holiday music, Dr. Mitchell was pleasantly surprised to hear the Bella co-captains favor him with another Christmas sing-a-long.

"This Christmas," Chloe spoke, using her distinctly sounding vocal chords to bring it down an octave or two, "Baby, please come home…"

"Yeah!" Beca replied jubilantly, before they began to sing in earnest. Chloe sang the chorus, while the small DJ took the lead.

"Christmas…"

"The snow's coming down!"

"Christmas…"

"I'm watching it fall."

"Christmas…"

"Lot's of people around."

"Christmas…"

"Baby, please come home!"

Sheila heard the U2 version of a song she used to love as a teenager, and opened her mouth to sing along, but Russell touched her hand, silently signaling her to stop. He felt this was a moment that was just for the girls. He didn't want anyone interrupting. He noticed how passionately they sang, with eyes only for each other. This was meant just for them.

"Christmas…"

"If there was a way…"

"Christmas…"

"I'd hold back these tears."

"Christmas…"

"But it's Christmas day!"

"Christmas…"

"Baby, please come home!"

After the song had ended, an instrumental version of The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) came on, and Dr. Mitchell noticed that neither of his back seat passengers were singing. He glanced in the rear view mirror to see them snuggling close together. Beca was yawning contentedly, while Chloe appeared to have already fallen asleep. As… different as this Christmas was turning out to be, with the unexpected discovery that his daughter was not only gay, or bisexual, or… not straight, but that she had the kindest, most attentive girlfriend on the planet, Russell smiled at their sleepy forms, endeared by them, and so very happy that they had found themselves spending Christmas with he and Sheila this year.

PP PP PP

Over a half hour later, the Mitchell vehicle pulled up into it's own driveway, around 10:30 pm on Christmas Eve. Beca awoke immediately, sensing that the car had stopped and the engine wasn't running. She began to gently nudge Chloe, who took longer to awaken, as she was a sound sleeper.

The foursome ventured inside, all tired and giddy from the evening's success. Shelia yawned, and after saying goodnight to the group, headed up the stairs to bed. Dr. Mitchell turned and grinned mischievously at his daughter.

"So, what do you say, Becs, we put out some milk and cookies for Santa, for old time's sake?"

He watched as his twenty-one year old daughter rolled her eyes, but then heard Chloe squeal, "Oh, yes! We simply must! Right, Beca?"

"Okay, okay," Beca laughed, recalling that in all of the Christmases she had spent with the Beales, the ritual of milk and cookies, and snacks for Santa's little helpers, was a huge deal, done with love and reverence. "I know you like to, Chlo." She looked over at her father, who was watching their interchange with great interest. "So, Dad, do you maybe have some milk and cookies lying around anywhere that you can spare for old Saint Nick?"

"And carrots for the reindeer," Chloe reminded her brightly, coming closer and wrapping a loving arm around Beca's shoulder.

"And carrots for the reindeer?" Beca dutifully added.

Before Beca's father could offer a favorable reply, Chloe gasped, remembering to say, "And raisins for the elves!"

"Oh, yeah, raisins for the elves," Beca repeated, looking expectantly over at her father.

Russell Mitchell stared at both of the young women in some confusion. "Raisins… for the… elves?"

Chloe nodded in all seriousness. "Well, they work hard, too, you know."

"But why not cookies for them, too?" Dr. Mitchell found himself engaging in one of the oddest conversations he could ever recall having. "Or, carrots, like the reindeer? Or… grapes?"

"Oh, no! Not grapes!" Chloe told him, as if scandalized.

"Yeah, they're really small, Dad," Beca explained, remembering how Chloe had told it the first year she'd spent Christmas with the Beales, "the elves, I mean. A grape, or anything bigger like a carrot or a cookie might cause them to choke."

"I… see…" Russell Mitchell murmured, when it was clear that he didn't. "Well, Becs, let's just go see if we can accommodate all of Chloe's little Christmastime friends, shall we?" And he motioned for her to follow him into the kitchen. To his surprise, Beca willingly did so.

Once in the kitchen, just he and Beca, Russell's eyes widened. "Wow! Your Chloe is very conscientious about the care of her magical buddies, isn't she?" he chuckled.

Beca, to his surprise, gave him a stern look. "Don't tease, Dad. Chlo is just very sweet and innocent. She really loves Christmas, that's all."

"I don't doubt it," he agreed, taking the chastising in stride. "I mean, she actually got you to have a good time at Aunt Edna's party, even sing some Christmas carols!"

His daughter shrugged, looking a little embarrassed. "Yeah, I guess she has that effect on people. Her whole family is very… festive, not just on Christmas, but pretty much all the major holidays."

Reaching up in a high cupboard to retrieve a plate, Russell went on, "So… is there something you want to tell me about Miss Chloe?" he asked, daring to glance over at his daughter, who was currently searching through the pantry, looking for cookies and raisins.

"I know, Dad," she said again, "Chloe's just… Chloe. Full of the Christmas spirit, even though I'm usually full of… something else."

Dr. Mitchell chuckled. "I completely agree, on both counts," he said, and his daughter made a face at him. "I find Ms. Beale an absolute delight to be around. I was just wondering when you were going to finally tell me…"

"Tell you what?" Beca asked, opening the fridge. "Sheesh, all you have is almond milk? Yuck!"

"Sheila's trying this non-dairy kind of diet thing," he replied. "I'm sure Santa won't mind." He handed her a small glass, which she poured the milk into.

"Chloe sometimes drinks this stuff," Beca murmured fondly. "It's gross, but it's all right when she makes us smoothies with it."

Reaching a high shelf in the pantry, where Sheila hid the cookies she swore she didn't eat, Dr. Mitchell retrieved a bag of Chips Ahoy chocolate chip cookies. "Here, kiddo. Santa's cookies."

"Guess you wouldn't have any homemade, huh," the small DJ sighed in disappointment.

"I'm sorry, no. But Aunt Edna gave us some fruit cake, if you'd rather-"

"Do you actually hate Santa, Dad?" she smirked. "That stuff is like eating a brick!"

"Okay," he agreed. "But um… I was still under the impression that you were dating that Jesse kid." He opened the fridge again, retrieving a bag of baby carrots from the vegetable drawer, then handed them to Beca, who was currently arranging a few cookies on the plate he'd given her. "Don't forget to count out eight of them!" he instructed her in all seriousness, unable to hide the mirth from his eyes.

"Nope, nine," she corrected him. "Can't forget Rudolph."

"Ah, of course, we can't," he laughed. "He does lead Santa's sleigh, after all. But can you clear some things up, Beca? When did you start dating Chloe?"

Beca looked over at him and laughed. "Oh, you heard about that, huh? That was just Chloe's way of avoiding unwanted advances from all of the salivating male cousins at the party tonight. They really are obnoxious, little shits, aren't they?"

"That they are," he agreed. "But isn't it true, though? About you and Chloe?"

The young Bella tensed up visibly. "Uh, what do you mean, Dad? Chloe's my- my best friend."

Russell came a little closer. "Becs, Professor Wrigley, who teaches philosophy here at Barden, is my best friend. We have never sat that close to each other in a car, or anywhere…"

"Well, of course not," she agreed, trying to steer the conversation into a different direction. "You're dudes. Women are… just more… touchy feely, I guess. You don't get it. And did you find any raisins? Even if they're kind of old. I don't think Chloe- or the elves- will care."

"Sheila has a best friend, named Marla, who she's known since high school. When they get together, they do sometimes hug, and laugh, and talk about all the old times, but they never hold hands, or sing love songs to each other…"

"Raisins, Dad?" Beca asked again, trying to avoid answering his other question.

"Nope. We have grapes-"

"No, don't you remember?" she muttered impatiently. "Grapes won't work! They are too big, and might get caught in the elves' tiny, little throats!" He gave her a look. "I mean, at least, that's what Chloe says. And maybe Sheila just isn't as close to that Marla chick, as Chloe and I are. I bet they weren't in a Capella together. Being in a tight knit group like the Bellas really brings people closer."

Searching through Sheila's drawer full of sugary snacks, Dr. Mitchell came upon a box of Raisinets. He held them up in triumph, for Beca to see. "Look, raisins! Well, of the chocolate covered kind. Would they work, Becs, or are any of Chloe's little elves diabetic?"

Beca pondered that notion for a moment. "No, she never said so. I mean, Twinkie and Pinkie are just level-headed vegetarians, but even though Blinkie loves sweets, she's still pretty svelte, on account that she helps Santa in the workshop so much, and…" her voice trailed off for a moment, and she noticed her father staring at her in complete shock. "Eh… well, at least that's what Chloe says…"

"Are you sure you two aren't already married?" he blurted.

"Dad!" she groaned in exasperation.

"Beca," he finally admitted, "it's not just the physical closeness, or the stories you told at Aunt Edna's, or even having such intimate knowledge of her… elves…" He handed her a small lap tray to put the plate and glass of milk onto. "Honey, I… saw you girls, at the party tonight, um, under the… mistletoe."

His daughter's face went pale. But instead of making any denials, he watched her become angry, as she sputtered, "That was a private moment between Chloe and I! How could you spy on us?"

"It wasn't like that," he promised, "I was just looking for the two of you after dinner, and sort of… happened upon you, by accident." He saw how offended she still looked. "I swear I left as soon as I saw what was happening. But that… it was a lovers' kiss, Becs!"

Tears forming in her stormy, blue eyes, Beca eased herself down onto one of the bar stools at the breakfast nook. "Jesus, Dad, I…"

"Hey, you know, it's all good," he assured her, trying to come across as supportive, and sitting down beside her on the other stool. "I think gay is okay! I've always been a supporter of the LGBT community, and I believe that gay people deserve everything that heterosexuals-"

"I'm not gay, Dad," she grumbled, wiping at the tears in her eyes. "I'm… well, I don't even know what the hell I am anymore. I mean, I'm technically still dating Jesse. And I do love him, but… Chloe… I mean, she just… makes me feel so… weird!"

"Weird?" he asked in surprise. "How?" He set his hand tentatively on her arm, rubbed it gently in a tender manner. To his delight, she did not push him away.

"It's all so mixed up, when I'm with Chloe. I'm constantly feeling nervous around her, but then, she also makes me feel safe, like I can just… be myself. She accepts me for who I am, and I've never felt that with anyone before. That makes me… happy… She makes me happy, especially when I'm with her… but then, I also feel really depressed about it, too, because I can't… I mean, we aren't… I… I just know that I prefer to be with her more than I do with Jesse, which makes me feel guilty. I know I love her, but I still don't completely understand it all."

"Have you ever felt this way about a woman before?" he dared to ask.

She shook her head. "No. But… I've never felt this way about anyone before! And it just makes me feel crazy inside!"

"It does?"

Beca blew out a breath. "Yeah, especially about the future."

"What about the future, Becs?"

"Well, after graduation, I'm supposed to go with Jesse to L.A., where he's got a job lined up. Thought I might find some DJ work, which could lead to producing."

"Sounds like a solid plan," he told her, and he meant it. He'd learned long ago, to stop belittling his only daughter about her dreams.

"Yeah, but…"

"But what?"

She groaned, rubbing her eyes with her fingers, and she seemed both irritated and amused by her own feelings. "But I want to ask Chloe to come with me, too."

Giving his daughter's arm another small pat, Dr. Mitchell asked, "What if Jesse didn't come with you, after all? What would you do then?"

Beca shrugged. "Oh, I don't know. I wouldn't stop him from chasing his own dreams, even if it meant leaving me. I think he'd feel the same. We wouldn't let our relationship get in the way of our goals."

He nodded encouragingly at her realistic sensibility over her attitude towards her college romance. "That's good. But what if it was Chloe who couldn't- or wouldn't- come to L.A. with you? How would you feel? What would you do, then?"

Beca gave him a dirty look for even thinking such a thing. "No! Chloe would never not want to come with me. And if she somehow couldn't, we'd find some way to get her there, anyway. We both have money saved up that we could use to move her out with me. And I know her parents would help us, financially, too, if we had no other options and-" She stopped talking, realizing how much determination coursed through her at keeping she and Chloe together at all costs. "Oh, shit!"

"Interesting," he said, diplomatically, watching her learn something about herself, and which relationship she actually preferred, probably desired and depended on. "Beca, listen, I love you. You're my only child, and even though we don't always see eye to eye on most things, I just want you to know that I support your decisions. Chloe means the world to you, that much is evident. Am I right?"

"Yeah," she admitted, in a whisper. "She does."

"So my advice to you, should you wish to hear it, or use it, or ignore it, is this: you need to figure out what that means, and where you two fit in. Just remember, you have a lot of feelings hanging in the balance; Jesse's, Chloe's, and your own."

"I know," Beca sniffled, suddenly feeling the need to get out of this conversation. It had given her a lot to think about, and she needed to process it all, but on her own, which is how she preferred it. "I better get that tray in to Chloe now…"

"Yes, you'd better," her dad agreed, smiling encouragingly at her. "I probably should get up to bed now, anyway."

"Right. Oh, where do we…"

"I have you set up in your old room," he told her before she got too awkward. "Your stuff is already in there."

"Thanks. But, um, what about…?"

"Chloe's stuff is in there, too. There's a double bed, which should give you both, um, plenty of room… unless you'd rather-"

"Thanks, Dad," she called to him happily from the doorway, as she sneaked off to the living room with the tray full of goodies.

It was then that Russell realized that this had been Beca's roundabout way of finding out whether he cared if she slept in the same bed with Chloe, under his roof. Apparently, he had given her his blessing. Sighing, as nothing ever seemed simple between he and his daughter, he trudged up the back staircase. At the top of the stairs, he nearly ran into Sheila, who, he figured, had been standing there, listening, for some time.

"Oh, hey honey," he said sheepishly.

"So, Beca is gay now?" she asked, getting right to the point.

"Uh, well," he began, feeling a little uncomfortable having this discussion with his wife, who he honestly did not know her feelings on the LGBTQ community, "she says she's not really sure yet. So I wouldn't feel right about assuming anything myself."

"She's in love with Chloe," she said with certainty. "That much is obvious."

"Oh, yes, that does seem to be evident," he awkwardly agreed, not sure where this conversation was going.

Sheila further surprised him, by adding, "And Chloe's in love with her, too."

"You think so?" he asked dumbly, knowing without a doubt that much was true. "And?"

"And… I hope Beca comes to her senses and ends up with her. I think they'd be a beautiful couple and Beca would finally have someone truly understands her. I think that's what she's been searching for all along. And everyone deserves that in their lives."

All at once, Russell learned of his wife's acceptance of both the LGBTQ community, and his daughter. It was a lot to process at once. Sheila was rarely the sentimental type, especially when it came to Beca. "Thank you, Sheila," he said, smiling at her, and leaning down to kiss her cheek. "I think this is the first time we've ever had an agreement about anything regarding my daughter, but this sure is a big one!"

She smiled back at him, then took him by the hand, and led him to their bedroom, closing the door behind them.

PP PP PP

"So, you're okay with this?" Beca asked, setting the tray out on the mantle of the fireplace.

"Yes, it's perfect, Becs, thank you!"

"No, it's far from perfect, but it's all my dad has available, and-"

Chloe silenced her with a quick kiss on the lips. "Becs," she reiterated, "it's perfect, I assure you."

"Okay, Chlo. Thanks. So, uh, are you ready to head to bed yet?" the small brunette asked, blushing a little from all of the kissing and touchy feely stuff she had been doing with Chloe lately. She had never been so affectionate with anyone else before. It shocked her… but deep down, it also delighted her.

Chloe averted her eyes, which Beca knew she only did when she was trying to be secretive. "Well, I… kind of want to stay up just a little longer."

Beca stared at her. The ginger was definitely up to something… but what? "Aren't you exhausted though, Chlo? I know I am."

"You go ahead then, love," the beauteous Bella told her, smiling lovingly at her, and rubbing her arm in affection. "Oh, but… where am I supposed to sleep tonight? On the couch?"

"You sleep," Beca told her, grinning like a fox, "wherever I sleep."

Chloe smiled suggestively back at her, and Beca looked away, her feelings too intense to face. "I like that. But where exactly will that be, Becs?"

"Easy, it's the only bedroom downstairs that hasn't been converted into an office or gym. It used to be my room, for the whole two times I ever stayed here, but now it's just the guest room, I guess. It's the bedroom at the end of the hall, okay? And Dad says our things are already in there. Plus, we have a guest bathroom, too, so at least we'll have some privacy."

"Sounds fantastic, love," Chloe said, smiling encouragingly at her. "I'll be in soon." She watched as Beca reluctantly walked away from her, traveling down to the end of the hallway, looking back at her, forlornly, every so often.

Once Chloe saw that Beca had gone inside their room, and shut the door, she made her move. Yesterday, after Beca had called her father, to ask about coming over for Christmas, and having gotten an affirmative, and after she had eaten herself into a stupor that afternoon, between leftovers and Christmas cookies, and fallen into an hour long food coma, Chloe had driven some of the Christmas boxes from her parents' over to Beca's dad's house. He hadn't been home, but she had text him, and told him she wanted to bring some things over for Christmas. He had a place secured for her to set them on the porch, behind the outdoor sofa, and out of sight from any neighbors or people passing by on the road or sidewalk. He later had taken them inside and hid them under a table behind the couch. He then text her back as to where he'd hid them. So, Chloe went back behind the couch and found the two large boxes, full of presents and goodies, and got to work.

Her mom and dad had given both she and Beca each five presents, as well as a couple of "together" gifts- things for their Volkswagen Beetle, Herbie. There were money cards in the box for each of them from Grammy Beale, as well as two, matching, rainbow scarves, knitted lovingly by those old but capable hands. Chris and Alana had sent them each a present, too.

There were also a few presents for Dr. Mitchell and his wife. Mostly things like brick-a-brack, little things for the house, candles, a fancy set of guest towels, a tasteful calendar featuring lighthouses, and lot's of homemade goodies to eat. She set all of these wonderful gifts under the tree. She noticed, but did not shake or open, anything she saw for herself or Beca from Russell or Sheila. Chloe set out the presents that she had bought herself, for both Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell (a tasteful set of candle holders, candles included), and her gifts for Beca. She made sure the name tag on Beca's parents' gifts read Love From, Beca and Chloe. She also set out the envelope Beca had made out for her dad, with a receipt for his Time Magazine subscription, renewed for another year.

After depositing all of the presents, and treats, Chloe took a well deserved break, turning on the tree lights and sitting at the foot of the tree, while munching on Santa's cookies, a few of the carrots and a couple of the Raisinets. Though these were not the sort of treats she was used to leaving out- even though she enjoyed drinking the almond milk- she was warmed to the heart by Beca and her father making sure to have the provisions available to her. She shook her head. Beca's right. I am such a kid!

She cleaned up the Santa snack mess and came back, sliding down to the floor once more, and lying at the foot of the tree, gazing up at all of the festively wrapped presents, the beautiful ornaments, and the mesmerizing, twinkling lights, smiling, gratefully for this opportunity to just chill with all the Christmas décor and to reflect on how the evening had gone.

Chloe would never have told Beca this, but she had been very worried over how this evening might have panned out. The call she had made to her mother two days before Christmas had only confirmed her suspicions about Beca wanting to spend Christmas with her father. Chloe knew she loved her father- as well as her mom, who lived in Port Orchard, WA, and often worked during the holidays to make extra money- but she also knew that Beca felt more… at home, with Chloe and her family. The Beales had accepted her as one of their own, and they loved and adored her, just as they loved and adored their own children. And while Beca would argue that she was too cool for most of the holiday festivities she participated in while staying with Chloe's family, she actually reveled in it, enjoyed all of the corny fun.

So when she spoke with her mom, Clara Beale had enlightened her daughter all about Beca's reluctance to cause a stink with her boyfriend, or to hurt her best friend's feelings, as to who she would spend Christmas with, so instead, she had made up the story about spending time with her father on the holidays. Clara had learned of this juicy, little plot during an impromptu conversation with none other than Amy Hobart, who had answered the Bella phone when Chloe was in the shower, two weeks prior. Clara had felt badly for Beca, and rather than having the poor girl spend the holidays all alone, she told Chloe to stay, and she would send all of their presents to them.

The redhead smiled at the memory. She knew her mother had done this, not only for Beca's benefit, but also her own. She knew that Chloe would be miserable without her beloved co-captain. They were inseparable. They needed to be together. Her mom, thankfully, understood that.

Chloe sighed happily, feeling so grateful to have such kind, loving, understanding parents. She kept her eyes focused on all of those pretty, twinkling lights, shining above her. "So pretty…" she murmured sleepily.

Ten minutes later, Chloe awoke with a gasp. Realizing she had dozed off, she hurriedly stood on wobbly legs, shut the tree lights and table side lamps off, and headed for the long hallway to a nice warm bed, complete with cuddle buddy. As she approached, she noticed a Christmas decoration hanging where the ceiling was low, at the apex of the hallway. Steeling herself, the redhead took a big jump, and managed to snag the decoration off the ceiling on the first try. She smiled naughtily at it, as she started for the bedroom she was to share with her beloved Beca.

PP PP PP

Beca was lying in the double bed, tossing and turning, and occasionally staring up at the ceiling with a groan. She had not slept a wink since she'd laid her head down on the fluffy pillow, nearly an hour ago. She had not set foot in this room in years, and she had forgotten how large, dark, and unsettling it felt to be in at night. Most of all, she was alone, and by now, she was too used to sharing a room (with Amy), or, more commonly, sharing a bed (with Chloe), and this bed was unused on one side, the sheets and pillow cold and lonely. It made the young DJ feel restless. It made her long for her best friend to lie down beside her.

After what seemed like an eternity, she saw the door creak open and watched the beautiful silhouette of Chloe Beale, sneak quietly into the room, silently shutting the door behind her. Beca feigned sleep, as she listened to the whispery sounds of Chloe unzipping her suitcase to retrieve her toiletry bag and her pajamas. Then she heard the ginger tiptoe into the adjoining bathroom, pushing the door to, so as to block out any light. Beca kept her eyes closed, but could almost see what Chloe was doing from memory alone. The little brunette knew her friend was washing her face… brushing and flossing her teeth… using the facilities… washing her hands… and finally, changing into some pajamas- her Nightmare Before Christmas PJ's, the one's that featured Jack, Sally, and Zero, if she had to render a guess.

Finally, she could sense the redhead exiting the bathroom, drawing near to the bed, gliding over to the empty side and sliding in under the covers beside her. She almost forgot herself and smiled. It didn't matter though. Chloe saw through the charade.

"I know you're awake, Becs," Chloe chuckled in amusement.

Beca turned over, and opened her eyes to look at her in the darkness. "No, I was really kind of asleep…" Chloe gave her a pointed look. "Fine. You're right. I've been… waiting for you, I guess. But how did you know I wasn't really…?"

"You weren't in your true sleeping position," Chloe explained.

"My what?" the tired senior asked in confusion.

"Your sleeping position," the redhead elaborated. "Your face looks different when you're really asleep. Your eyes are more relaxed, and your mouth hangs open a little. It's so cute!"

Beca rolled her eyes. "Only you would find my drooling and snoring cute, Chlo."

Chloe giggled, moving closer, enjoying the warmth of her bed mate. "Maybe, but at least I know how adorable you are when you sleep!"

Though she would never admit to it, Beca secretly loved it when Chloe called her things like 'cute' or 'adorable'. But Chloe was the only one allowed to do so. If anyone else said something like that, Beca would have thrown a fit. She deftly changed the subject, as she felt Chloe's head rest on her pillow, right next to Beca's. "So, did Santa or your little elf friends come to visit while you were in there, Miss Beale?"

Another giggle came out of Chloe's mouth. "Mmm… maybe! But you know, Becs, the elves are invisible, so you can't see them with your eyes. Only with your heart!"

"Right, of course," Beca was happy to play along. "But I bet you spent the better part of your time out there lying under the Christmas tree and watching the lights shine, didn't you?"

"How did you know that?" the redhead asked, worried that Beca had snuck out of the room and spied on all of the holiday wonders she had laid out for everyone.

"Because, Chlo, I know you. You always do that. You even made me lie there with you last year at your parents' house, remember?"

"Oh, yeah," Chloe recalled, sighing dreamily, which turned into a yawn. "I believe we snuggled."

Beca scoffed. "When don't we snuggle?"

"Hey, I've got something for you…"

"What?" Beca asked, tired, but now with piqued interest.

In a flash, Chloe had positioned herself on top of Beca, and produced a mistletoe from behind her back, holding it over her bestie's head. "Mistletoe," she whispered, gazing longingly at her. "Want to?" She was already leaning down, in anticipation.

"Oh, well," Beca stammered, "I mean, it is a Christmas tradition… and who am I to stray from traditi-" Her sentence was cut off as Chloe tenderly captured Beca's lips with her own…

PP PP PP

It was not yet dawn. Beca lie in the comfortable guest bed at her father's house, sleeping contentedly, her eyes relaxed, her mouth slightly open. There was a little bit of drool drying on her pillow beside her head. Her beautiful companion, Chloe Beale, slept, not merely beside her, but half on top of her, her long, red hair obscuring her face. Beca had an arm wrapped protectively around Chloe's waist. Chloe had her arm draped across Beca's shoulders. Chloe was snoring in Beca's ear. Beca had recently drooled on Chloe's arm.

As the light of the new day- Christmas day! as Chloe would have declared- crept subtly through the closed blinds at the window, the two, slumbering Bellas remained blissfully unaware, lost in happy dreams, and each other's arms.

On the nightstand on Chloe's side of the bed, Beca had set up a little, artificial tree, the lights plugged in and twinkling. A Christmas themed Minnie Mouse sat cheerfully beside the tree, along with a small jewelry box, wrapped nicely- as Beca had gotten Stacie to wrap it, so it looked more 'professional'. She had done all of this right after Chloe had finally fallen asleep the night before.

And lying on the bed behind Chloe, on her unused pillow, was the wilted, well used mistletoe…

PP PP PP

Dr. Mitchell and Sheila were up just after sunrise, relaxing together for a moment of quiet after their rather exciting evening last night. They sat together at the breakfast nook, sipping some coffee, and enjoying a little of Aunt Edna's fruit cake, her gift to them for Christmas. The same fruitcake Beca had compared to a brick.

"I'm kind of surprised the girls aren't up yet," he mentioned, feeling that Beca had been a little unfair to Aunt Edna's cooking skills. This fruitcake was quite moist and tasty. "I mean, it is Christmas morning."

"Well, they're not exactly children anymore, Russ," Sheila pointed out.

He chuckled. "I beg to differ, at least with Chloe. At her insistence, we put out milk and cookies for Santa last night."

"Hey, they didn't use up all of my almond milk, did they?"

"No, Sheila. Remember, we had some in our coffee."

"Oh, right." She smiled. "That's very sweet of Chloe."

"We also put out nine carrots for the reindeer."

"Nine?"

"Rudolph," Russell explained, and she nodded in understanding. "And then there were the Raisinets… for the elves."

"Okay, that's one I've not heard of before," she laughed.

"Technically, it should have been just plain raisins, but we had to improvise a little."

"Wait, did you take all of my Raisinets?" she started to complain.

"Just a few," he assured her. "The elves are small, so they don't eat much, apparently."

"Wow," she chuckled, "she is thorough, I'll give her that. She must have had a very… interesting upbringing."

Dr. Mitchell perused the morning paper. "Beca tells me she's from a very sweet, close knit family."

"And Beca actually likes going there?" Sheila blurted, unable to help herself. Her step-daughter had never struck her as the homey type.

"She's gone to spend vacations with them since that summer after her sophomore year, so I'm thinking she does."

"Maybe, with the divorce, and her mom always working, and her not always getting on too well with me…" Sheila speculated, "well, maybe she craves that…"

Russell looked down into his plate of fruitcake, feeling a little sad. But he knew she was probably right. "I'm sure she does, even though she'd never admit it, especially to me."

Sheila touched his hand in empathy. "I think you guys are doing okay."

He smiled his thanks, and went back to his newspaper. He was about to ask his wife if she wanted the comics, when she suddenly burst out laughing, much to his surprise. He stared at her in confusion. "What's so funny?" he asked.

"Oh," she said, wiping at her eyes, "Russ, please don't take this the wrong way, because, whether you realize it or not, I really do care about Beca, but I just find it so funny that your little emo-child has fallen in love with little Miss Sunshine!" And then she laughed some more.

Dr. Mitchell pondered her statement, watching her giggle across the table at him. He thought about Beca's ear spike and surly attitude. Then he recalled Chloe's Christmas Eve routine with Santa, the reindeer and the elves. He thought of her sweet, genuine smiles… and he began to laugh, as well. "They do say that opposites attract," he chuckled.

"Truer words have never been spoken," she agreed, finally managing to calm herself. "Say, where are Yin and Yang sleeping? Maybe we should go wake them both up! I'm kind of getting tired of waiting to open presents."

"Oh, I'm sure," he smirked. "Last year, you woke me at four thirty to open gifts!"

"See? I'm kind of like a kid at Christmas, too," she told him. "So, is Beca in her old room? Did you put Chloe in my gym? I didn't see her on the couch."

"Nah. They're both in Bec's old room."

"One bed, huh?" she asked with a wink.

"Well, I wouldn't put too much into it," he said. "Beca still seems to be pretty confused about her feelings for Chloe. They're probably on far opposite sides of the bed. Or maybe Beca used one of her old sleeping bags and is camping out on the floor."

"That doesn't sound like Beca," Sheila blurted. "I mean, Chloe seems more likely to enjoy sleep overs on the floor."

Russell shrugged. "Perhaps."

"Come on. Let's go wake them up!" Sheila urged. "I want my presents, too!"

Chuckling at his wife's impatience, they ventured into the living room together and both got their first look at the fully stocked-with-presents Christmas tree. "Wait. Where did all of those presents come from?"

"Uh, Santa?" he murmured. "I mean, well, one of his little helpers, anyway. Chloe had dropped off a couple of boxes of gifts and stuff for us all to open today."

"Must have been some really big boxes," she marveled. "Hey, I do see some gifts for us!"

"Yeah, Chloe mentioned her parents sent us a couple of things. The rest must be from the girls."

"Really?" Sheila asked in surprise. "But doesn't Beca just renew your Time Magazine subscription? And she usually doesn't get me anything."

They looked at each other for a moment. "Chloe," they both said, nodding. Obviously, she was an influence on Beca. Thus far, it appeared, a good influence.

"And why would Chloe's parents send us anything?" the woman queried absently, as she paused to pick up and shake a couple of packages with her name on them.

"Maybe as a thank you, for hosting the girls this year," he surmised.

"Oh. Well, that's… nice. Weird, but nice. I mean, Beca is your daughter. And Chloe is the perfect house guest."

"So, you're not mad at Chloe for snapping at you last night by the car?"

"Nah. I… kind of deserved it, if I'm being completely honest. I was being too hard on Beca. I didn't mean to be, especially on Christmas, and in front of her girlfriend. To be honest, once the shock of her getting after me wore off, I was actually kind of… touched that Chloe would stick up for your daughter that way. She really loves Beca."

Russell smiled in relief for his wife's attitude over what had happened. "Yes, she does," he agreed. He took Sheila's hand and they started for the hallway.

"Oh, what happened to the mistletoe I hung up there?" Sheila asked in confusion, wondering where it could have gone. It hadn't fallen, as it wasn't just laying there on the floor.

He shrugged, and they continued down the hallway.

Once at Beca's old bedroom door, Russell knocked quietly, but there was no answer, no sounds emanating from the room at all. He looked at Sheila, who silently urged him to open the door, and he did so.

Beca and Chloe were both still sound asleep in the bed, snuggled up closely together. Chloe had shifted slightly and was lying even more so on top of Beca, while Beca smiled in her sleep, her hand resting comfortably on her companion's bottom. Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell stared in shock.

"Opposite sides of the bed, huh," Sheila chuckled, getting the feeling that the two Bellas were quite used to sleeping together.

"Uh… maybe we should… hmm… just let them sleep for the time being," Russell suggested, his face completely red for having intruded upon them.

"Yeah, might be a good idea," she agreed, and as her husband pulled the door shut, she noticed the mistletoe on the pillow by Chloe's red head. She smiled knowingly.

PP PP PP

About fifteen minutes later, Chloe awoke, feeling refreshed and happy. Careful of the sleeping beauty still slumbering beside her, she stretched, working all the kinks out, and she happened to glance over at her bedside table, where she saw the little tree and the gifts Beca must have placed there once she'd fallen asleep. She smiled, as tears came to her eyes, then she turned and whispered into Beca's ear, "I love you, Beca Mitchell, and I will till the day I die…" Her heart was so full of tenderness, she thought it might burst! Leaning down, she softly and sweetly kissed the brunette on her relaxed brow.

"Still sleeping," Beca mumbled in her sleep, turning over.

"Beca… Becs, wake up, honey!" Chloe exclaimed. "It's Christmas day!"

The little DJ stirred, and slowly opened her dark, blue eyes, smiling as Chloe's beautiful face came into focus. "Mornin', Chlo. Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas to you, too, Becs," Chloe replied excitedly, leaning down again, this time to kiss her friend's lips. "Let's go see what Santa brought us!"

"Chloe," Beca told her gently, reaching out to sympathetically rub her shoulder, "there probably won't be any Santa presents, babe. Maybe just one or two from my dad. I know it's a big deal with your family, but mine just don't go all out like that. My dad usually just gives me money. You'll probably get some, too…" she noticed her best friend staring at her with an unreadable expression that her tired mind took for disappointment. "But hey, look! I see some presents right here, on your nightstand!" She gestured to the little tree on the bedside table with the Minnie Mouse plush, and the small jewelry box, wrapped up with a bow.

Even though she had seen it moments before, Chloe's eyes lit up in anticipation. "Oh, Beca! It's beautiful! I'm so excited. Should… should I take it into the living room to open it, or can I just open it right now?"

"Sure, why don't you open it here?" Beca agreed, and Chloe nodded happily. Beca reached over and grabbed the jewelry box, handing it to Chloe.

Chloe took it gratefully, then sat up… right on top of Beca. Their pelvic regions were perfectly aligned, causing them both to tingle most enjoyably. "Is this all right, love?" she asked seductively.

Frankly, having Chloe fully on top of her, between her legs, and currently pressed up against a very intimate part of her anatomy, was making the small brunette extremely aroused, and she tried steadying the redhead, by putting her hands on the woman's hips. "Um… I guess so…" she mumbled, her cheeks turning pink.

Chloe grinned seductively at her and wiggled her hips and bottom, causing mutually satisfying friction and Beca moaned involuntarily. "How about this?"

"Dammit, Chlo!"

The redhead raised an eyebrow. "Yes, darling?"

"You're being very naughty, Chlo," Beca muttered, trying not to react to the movement that was driving her crazy. "You're lucky Santa's already been here."

Chloe ground against her once again. "I'm being naughty?" she asked innocently, in a tone that inferred she was anything but.

"Oh, God! Chloe, just… just… open your present, babe!"

Snickering at Beca's discomfort, Chloe finally stopped the motion, glad to have made her beloved more than a little hot and bothered. She could see how dilated Beca's pupils were. She was incredibly turned on, and Chloe didn't mind giving her a taste of what she was missing.

"All right," Chloe said, deftly removing the ribbon and the wrapping paper from her present. "Is it an engagement ring?" she joked.

"Well, let's wait till after graduation before we start thinking about that," Beca replied flippantly, giving the redhead a playful poke in her side, causing her to giggle. "Come on, open it!"

The gorgeous ginger stuck her tongue out at her friend, then opened up the box. Inside of it was a heart locket necklace, twenty-four carat gold. "Oh, my God!" Chloe gasped, removing it from the box and holding it reverently between her fingers.

"It opens, take a look," Beca instructed her.

Chloe carefully did so. Inside were two, tiny pictures. One was of Chloe herself when she was a baby that her mother had probably freely given her to use. The other was a rare photo of Beca as an infant. The sight brought tears to Chloe's big blue eyes. "Oh, Beca, this is exquisite!"

"So, um, do you like it?" Beca asked, trying not to sound too obvious. But she had been anxious about giving it to Chloe. She had saved up for months to buy it, and took two solid weeks to decide on which one to choose. She sat up, Chloe still on top of her and looked expectantly at her. Her best friend always gave her perfection. She wanted to do the same for her.

"I love it," Chloe sniffled. "Just like I love you." She pulled Beca closer, while still sitting on top of her, hugging her tightly and kissing her full on the lips. "Thank you, Beca."

Beca was suddenly feeling shy, still not completely comfortable with so much intimacy. But she could not help but to love the feel of the woman she loved filling her arms, and kissing her mouth. She could not help but to look deeply into her bright, blue eyes. "Did you want me to put it on you, babe?" she asked, her voice coming out all squeaky.

"Oh, yes, please, love," Chloe said, handing it to her. Beca put the necklace around Chloe's neck, gently moving her red tresses aside, and looking over her shoulder to affix the clasp. "Thank you, sweetheart," the older woman said, kissing Beca yet again.

Beca's eyes slid shut as she felt the warm and sensual, now familiar sensation of Chloe's tongue caressing her lips and seeking entrance to her mouth, which she was all too eager to do. The kiss deepened. Both women moaned in pleasure. Their embrace tightened. There was a quick knock on the door…

Before either knew what was happening, Dr. Mitchell opened the door, saying, "Hey, girls, I thought you might like to- oh, dear God!" He gasped, realizing what he was walking in on, and quickly shut the door.

Beca and Chloe just sat there, staring at each other for the longest time.

"Jesus," Beca whispered, wondering what the hell they were going to do now.

Finally, "Well, this should make for interesting Christmas conversation, huh?" Chloe replied brightly.

Unable to stop her smirk, Beca looked at her friend and said, "Seriously?"

PP PP PP

Dr. Russell Mitchell came walking back into the living room, beet red in the face, and looking shocked and embarrassed. He sat down in his La-Z-Boy, which was situated next to his wife's, placed in front of the television.

"Russ, what's the matter?" Sheila asked in concern, glancing up at him over the morning paper.

"Uh… it was Beca… and Chloe… on her…"

She stared at him in confusion and alarm. He sounded incoherent. "What are you trying to say, honey?"

"They- they were… um…"

"Are the girls all right?" she asked, beginning to feel a little worried.

At this, he chuckled, in spite of himself. "Oh, they're plenty more than all right, I'd say…"

"Huh?"

"I, uh…" he began, trying to compose himself, "caught them in an… intimate moment…"

"Oh, my God! Russell, why didn't you knock?"

"I did!" he swore. "But I guess they didn't hear me… or maybe I didn't give them enough time before opening the door, so they had time to… reposition themselves…" He began to blush again.

"Oh, honey," she snickered. "You should always wait for an invitation before barging in. Always!"

"Yeah, I got that now."

She shook her head. "Did you catch them having sex?" She had to admit, she'd never known anyone in a same sex relationship before, and was rather curious. "Were they…?" and she made a scissoring motion with her hands.

"No! And I'll thank you not to put that thought into my head," he groaned. "They were both wearing their pajamas, but I'm really not sure what they were doing… I'm not exactly up on lesbian love making…"

"Hmm, well, maybe we should be. After all, you've got a daughter who plays for the same team-"

"Uh, hi!"

Both Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell looked up to see Chloe standing at the end of the hallway, smiling apologetically at them for having startled them.

"Oh, uh… hello, Chloe," Dr. Mitchell said, unable to look her in the eye.

"Good morning, Chloe, and Merry Christmas," Sheila added, much less embarrassed, and more than amused by this turn of events. It was never a dull moment when dealing with her step-daughter and her friend.

"Merry Christmas," the redhead replied sweetly. "Um, guess what? Beca has just given me the best present- a gold necklace! It's so beautiful! And I was just… thanking her in there… just being… silly, and… messing around…"

"Uh-huh," Russell Mitchell mumbled. He wasn't buying it.

"Yeah, it's a really lovely necklace," Chloe went on. "I can tell Beca put a lot of thought into buying it."

"I'm sure she did," Sheila agreed, marveling at the bravery this young woman must have to not only show her face again, but to be so engaging about it, as well. "I'd love to see it."

"Oh, yes!" Chloe replied in excitement, happy to show off the gift from the person she loved best in this world.

She took a few steps closer, and that's when they saw that Beca had been hiding behind Chloe the whole time, most likely trying to gauge her father's mood after walking in on she and her best friend making out in bed. The small brunette averted her gaze and waved at the two people in the living room.

"Hello…" she murmured, barely audible. Like Chloe, she was still dressed in her pajamas.

"Merry Christmas, Beca," Sheila said, sounding much more than civil. She sounded downright friendly.

"Um, yeah, you, too…"

Sheila gave her husband a pointed stare and cleared her throat, to which he quickly said, "Merry Christmas, um, Becs…" Then he turned away, still feeling embarrassed for having intruded.

Both Chloe and Sheila shared a glance, Chloe looking a little red in the face, and apologetic for having caused all of this awkwardness, while Sheila sighed at all of them.

"Okay, can I just say something?" the woman announced and she didn't wait for an answer from any of them. "Look, we're all adults here. I understand your dad walked in on a rather… delicate moment, but let's just forget about it. It's Christmas morning, and we have a lot of presents to open- and I do mean a lot- and we have good food to eat, and relatives to call. I, for one, am excited to start the day with my husband, and you two, lovely young ladies. Now, Chloe, why don't you come show me your pretty necklace? Beca, how about you play Santa, and start passing out some gifts?"

Russell gave his wife a grateful look.

Chloe walked toward Sheila, Beca clinging to her arm. As they approached the tree, Chloe paused. She gave Beca a sweet, reassuring smile. Beca looked back at her, her expression more one of panic and embarrassment. Without saying a word, Chloe took Beca's hand and gave it a squeeze. Some wordless conversation passed between them. Russell and Sheila watched them through furtive glances, frankly amazed. Then the two young women let go of each other's hands. Beca sat down in front of the tree and Chloe walked over to Sheila and Dr. Mitchell, her big, blue eyes shining proudly, as she bent down to show them her new necklace, which she was still wearing.

"Isn't it so beautiful?" she exclaimed.

"It certainly is," Sheila agreed, gesturing for Chloe to come closer so she could get a better look. "Ah, a locket! So lovely! May I look inside?"

"Of course," Chloe encouraged her, and she reached up and carefully opened it. "See, there's pictures inside, Mrs. Mitchell. That's me when I was a baby. And this is Becs! Isn't she so adorable?"

Dr. Mitchell glanced over at his daughter, who blushed, but also smiled at Chloe's compliment. "Yes, she certainly is," he agreed, grinning at his only child. "How are we coming along with those presents, Santa?" he asked.

Beca had frankly been surprised and a little overwhelmed about how many presents there were under the tree this morning. It was quite a bit more than what she'd seen last night before going to bed. She knew that this was Chloe's doing. "Uh, everyone come sit down with me, and I'll start passing them out," she instructed, having just sorted through them.

"Russ," Sheila whined, and Dr. Mitchell chuckled, grabbing the chair from the corner desk and bringing it over to the tree, where Sheila walked over to sit.

Chloe came racing over and plopped down smack dab next to Beca. She wrapped her arm around her. "Want some help, Santa?"

Beca couldn't help but to laugh, gleefully. Chloe just made her feel that happy."Sure, little elf! And you know what? You get the first present!"

PP PP PP

Later that morning…

Beca sat on the sofa in between her father and step-mother. They were all sipping a little wine from some expensive flute glasses, basking in the glory of Christmas. Their surroundings were a mess, wrapping paper all over the place, some of it wadded up into balls. On the floor, near the lit tree, Chloe lie sleeping, the Christmas Minnie Mouse Beca had given her clutched in her arms, an angelic expression on her beautiful face.

Smiling lovingly at her best friend, Beca marveled at the cool new tech equipment that would help with her DJ mixing, that Chloe had gotten her for Christmas. Her favorite present that she'd received this year, however, was a 5×7 frame that held a photograph of she and Chloe standing backstage of their last collegiate championship. It was a candid shot, and they were smiling at each other, and holding each other at arms length, either about to embrace, or having just done so. Amy, or one of the other Bellas had most likely taken the picture. Usually, Beca got perturbed if someone photographed her without prior knowledge or consent, but she couldn't be mad about this picture. Hell, she had snapped a picture of the sleeping Chloe on her phone only moments before. Normally, she would have asked for permission, but she doubted the redhead would mind; besides, she just looked so damn cute!

"Wow, would you look at this mess," Sheila sighed, tiredly. "Who is going to clean this all up?" She stared pointedly at Beca.

"Chloe can," Beca replied, without missing a beat. "I mean, she's the one who made most of it." She gave her slumbering best friend another loving look.

"Beca, don't be a putz!" her father chided her.

"Putz?" she laughed. "Dad, the 1960s called. They want their phrase back."

"Oh, look who's being a sassafras!" he retorted. "And I'll have you know, that's more like a 70s phrase!"

"Actually, I think it's more of a 1950s slang," Sheila told him, grinning at him. Beca snickered.

"Thank you, darling," he muttered playfully. Then he turned back to look at his daughter once more. "Are you seriously going to make your best friend clean this up, Becs? A guest in this house?"

"She's not a guest," Beca responded, slightly offended. "She's Chloe."

"You're right. She's family," he amended, and he truly meant that.

"Right, family. And family is allowed to clean their messes up! She's the one who wanted the wrapping paper ball fight, anyway."

Sheila chuckled. "Yeah, that was… interesting. Does she do that with her family, back home?"

Beca nodded. "It's sort of a Beale family Christmas tradition. Last year, I won."

"What did you win?" Beca's father asked her.

"I got to pick the Christmas movie that night."

"What did you pick?" he asked, curiously. His daughter wasn't exactly known for her love of Christmas films.

She smirked. "Black Christmas."

"Oh, Becs," Dr. Mitchell sighed. "You probably scarred those poor people for life!"

"Nah, they were fine… by New Year's…"

"You're such a smart ass," her dad laughed heartily.

"No, Beca's a bad ass," Chloe mumbled from her place on the floor by the tree. They all looked at her to find she was still asleep.

"See? Chloe knows the truth," Beca stated smugly.

"Yes, you've trained her well," Sheila joked, something she had never done with her step-daughter before.

"Well, Chloe definitely won this year," Russell mused. "So, what will she win?"

"Street cred, and the chance to clean up this mess," Beca replied.

"You're a total butt, Becs, you know that?"

Chloe yawned and woke up, sitting, and scratching through her messy, red locks. "Hey… what's going on?"

"You're a winner, Chlo!" Beca announced excitedly.

Chloe's eyes lit up in anticipation. "Ooh, what did I win?"

Russell and Sheila looked over at Beca, wondering what she was really going to say.

Beca looked particularly twitterpated at the moment, staring dreamily into Chloe's bright, blue eyes. "You get to pick the movie when we go home, tonight," she murmured. "And I'll… clean up all of the wrapping paper."

Dr. Mitchell glanced over at his wife, and they both nodded knowingly. Beca had it bad.

"Aw, thanks, Becs," Chloe said sweetly, getting up off of the floor and bounding over to the couch, where she practically jumped into her bestie's lap, giving her a squeeze. "But I'll help you clean up. I don't mind. Dr.- eh, Russell, Sheila, where are your recycling bags?"

Sheila smiled. Leave it to someone like Chloe to innocently assume they even recycled! She motioned Chloe to come with her. "I have some grocery bags in the pantry that we can use. Follow me, dear."

When they left, Dr. Mitchell playfully bumped his shoulder against Beca's. "So you're on clean up duty, then?"

"Yeah…"

"Those pretty faces will get you every time, huh?"

"Bite me, Dad!"

PP PP PP

Beca and Chloe had a nice Christmas dinner at the Mitchell house. They were all happy and cordial. Sheila served turkey, but had, after being told explicitly by her husband, to make a small loaf of to-furkey for Chloe, who gushed with gratefulness at being treated so well. There was stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn and green beans, and two kinds of pie for dessert- apple and pumpkin.

Everyone stuffed themselves, but Beca made sure to whisper to Chloe that this food, as good as it was, couldn't hold a candle to the redhead's home cooking. Chloe smiled lovingly at Beca, then shoved some to-furkey in the small brunette's mouth.

"Oh, um, mmm, Chlo, that's good eatin'," Beca mumbled through a mouth full of food, causing her companions to laugh heartily. That song, The Things You Do For Love wafted through Beca's mind again…

About an hour after dinner, after resting their bellies, having a second helping of pie, and reminiscing over Christmases past- but only the good ones, this time- the two Bellas loaded up their presents into their car (just as Chloe had predicted, Beca had given up on calling it 'Outta Time', and now referred to it as plain old Herbie), then said their goodbyes to Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell. Beca awkwardly accepted a hug from Sheila, and even though she didn't really hug her back, the fact that she didn't pull away or make a fuss, gave Russell hope for a better rapport between his wife and his daughter in the future. As Sheila and Chloe embraced, he gave Beca a tight, loving hug of her own.

"I love you, Becs," he whispered into her ear. "I'm really happy you and Chloe came to spend Christmas with us. Please don't be a stranger, okay?"

"Okay, Dad, thanks," Beca mumbled, slightly embarrassed, but she hugged him back and reached up to kiss his cheek.

"Thank you for allowing me to join you in your holiday festivities this year, Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell," Chloe said, giving Beca's dad a quick hug. "I had a marvelous time!"

"You're very welcome, Chloe. But you're family to us now, and you have a standing invitation to any Mitchell event or gathering from here on out!" Russell told her, Sheila nodding enthusiastically in agreement.

Chloe looked over at Beca, simply beaming. It still amazed Beca that her beloved friend would get so excited to be considered a part of her family, but truthfully, she was, and it made the little DJ feel like a million bucks that her bestie held her and her family in such high regard.

Then, the young women got into their little tan slug-bug and drove back to Barden University and straight to the Bella House. They were happy to find that it was still empty and they had the place to themselves.

Chloe's parents had packed in a lot of delicious treats in their Christmas package, including hot cocoa mix, gingerbread cookies, fudge, different flavored candy canes, chocolate Santas, peppermint bark, pumpkin bread, all homemade by Chloe's mother and Grammy Beale. They also got one of those large Christmas tins filled with three kinds of gourmet popcorn. And even though they were stuffed from dinner with Beca's father and step-mother, neither could wait to tear into those holiday treats.

That night, they sat in the living room, the only lights on were from the television and the tree lights. They wore their new, matching Christmas pajamas (featuring Santa and Rudolph) that Chloe's mom had picked out for them, and they snuggled up on the couch, under the matching Christmas throw blankets that Beca's dad had bought them, nibbling from all of the delicious treats the Beales had sent them, while they watched one of Chloe's favorites: The Muppet Christmas Carol.

Forcing herself to stop eating the fudge, Chloe stifled a belch and said, "Becs, if we keep eating everything tonight, we're going to get sick."

"It'll be worth it," Beca snickered, biting the head off of a gingerbread cookie.

"You're going to puke, love."

"Then you can hold my hair back for me and get me some TUMS," the brunette said absently, cracking up over something Miss Piggy, as Emily Cratchit, said.

"I will. And you'll do the same for me, if I hurl?" Chloe asked hopefully, already feeling a little green in the gills for over stuffing herself.

"Of course!"

"Thanks, sweetheart."

The two women watched Chloe's movie pick, then put in Beca's, which was Scrooged. They fell asleep together on the couch, Beca on her back with Chloe lying half on top of her, feeling safe and happy… and farting in their sleep…

PP PP PP

Over the next few days, Beca and Chloe had the luxury of having the entire Bella House to themselves, as no one had yet returned from winter break. Chloe took the opportunity to do a lot of cleaning, including all of the nooks and crannies in every bedroom. Beca thought if the girls made a mess they ought to clean it up themselves, but Chloe actually loved to clean, being a little bit OCD.

Another thing Chloe seemed to love doing in the privacy of an otherwise empty house, was wear sexy lingerie or just her bra and underwear, letting Beca plainly see some skin, hoping to tempt her. Beca forced herself to not visibly react, but the truth was, seeing Chloe so scantily clad was driving her crazy! She had always thought the redhead had the most perfect body ever, from the first time she'd seen it, in a public shower stall, and singing with a stranger, if only to get her to leave. She would stare at Chloe lustfully whenever the thought her friend wasn't looking.

Chloe actually learned a few things about their fellow Bellas, while cleaning up their rooms. Lilly had left a letter to Krampus. Flo stocked up on Imodium, just in case she had another long bout of diarrhea. Cynthia Rose seemed obsessed with airplanes, as she had several models, put together by herself. Stacie, for all of her sexy flaunting, slept with an old teddy bear at nights. Emily listened to 1980s music, especially Michael Jackson, and Cyndi Lauper. Amy, who once claimed to have had intimate knowledge of the children's musical group The Wiggles, actually had an autographed picture of original band member, Phillip Wilcher, that said, "Amy, thanks for the hottest night of my life! Love, Philly." And… Jessica and Ashley were deeply in love, and kept a journal of love notes to each other.

While Chloe did her sexy cleaning routines, Beca took this time of near solitude to work on some of her music mixes. She could blast it throughout the house, knowing it wouldn't bother her bestie in the slightest. In fact, Chloe was one of the few people she invited to listen to her beats, even before she was finished with them, grateful for any advice or encouragement that the lovable ginger always offered her.

After one particularly productive day of cleaning and creating music, Beca and Chloe took a much needed break, scarfing down the gourmet popcorn the Beales had sent them, and watching It's a Wonderful Life in the living room, huddled on the couch together, Beca lying with her head resting comfortably in Chloe's lap. She had to admit, she wasn't watching the movie too closely, but rather, observing her beloved bestie, as she enjoyed the film, laughing or crying at all of the appropriate moments. She was lazily, gently running her fingers through Beca's soft locks, massaging the small brunette's scalp. She was also, much to Beca's secret delight, wearing a skimpy, revealing, sky blue colored teddy that brought out her eyes, and made Beca nearly salivate.

Just as Clarence, angel second class, showed up to help George Bailey, Beca heard a little chirp from her phone, signifying a notification. Her hand blindly started roaming over the expanse of the couch, searching for her phone. After "accidentally" running her hand up Chloe's bare legs- twice!- and feeling something gross and squishy in between the couch cushions, that she neglected to tell her best friend about because she knew Chloe would want to instantly clean it, and she would lose her comfy head rest and cuddle buddy, Beca finally found her phone, hidden underneath her own bottom. Groaning as she grabbed it, she held it up for a look.

It was a text… from Jesse... Glancing up to see that Chloe was heavily invested in the movie, crying a little as George Bailey pleaded to Clarence, "I want to live again!" Beca opened it, trying to keep it as low down her body as possible, knowing how easy it would be for the redhead to glance over and read it. She had not heard from him since she called and talked to him for a few minutes on Christmas day. Now, here it was the day before New Year's Eve, and he was telling her that he would be back by tomorrow night, excited for the big party all of the a Capella groups attended, and that he could not wait to see her.

Suddenly, Beca noticed that the gentle ministrations of Chloe's fingers running through her hair had stopped. The small DJ dared to glance up to see Chloe reading the text over her shoulder, her usually sunny eyes turning cloudy and sad.

"What's wrong, Chlo?" Beca asked, playing dumb.

Without a word, Chloe gracefully managed to extricate herself out from under her friend, standing up and walking into the dining room area. Beca knew she was trying to compose herself. She could hear the redhead sniffling and it broke her heart. Steeling herself for the worst, but hoping for the best, Beca ventured after her.

Chloe was crying quietly, and she jumped a little when she felt warm, slender fingers touch her shoulder from behind. "What's the matter, Chlo?" she heard Beca ask.

"Nothing," the redhead whispered, unable to say much more. Christmas vacation had been a wonderful time for her. She had grown so close to Beca. They shared their days, shared meals and snacks, shared a bed, shared hugs and kisses… But now… she felt the blissful days would be no more.

"Nothing, huh?" Beca asked, trying to sound playful. She gently turned Chloe around to face her, pulling her into a warm embrace. "Come on, Chlo, talk to me, babe. Why are you crying?"

"Tomorrow's New Year's Eve…"

"Yeah, hard to believe. 2015 is almost here. Is this some kind of premature graduation jitters?"

"Tomorrow night's the a Capella party," Chloe reminded her.

"I know," Beca replied, averting her eyes. She had a feeling she knew where this was going.

"I wanted to go… with you."

"We will go, Chlo, I promise."

"But Jesse…"

"Yeah, he said he's coming, too," Beca said, swallowing the lump in her throat, realizing that he would expect her to spend all of her time with him.

"He's- he's going to take you in his arms, and-"

"Chloe…"

"… and he's going to kiss you at midnight," the redhead sobbed.

Beca wasn't sure how to respond to that. She knew that it would very likely happen. She also knew that it would hurt Chloe. She didn't want to hurt Chloe on New Year's Eve. She wanted to… wanted to… she wanted to kiss Chloe on New Year's Eve… Shit!

"I will kiss you, too, Chlo, I promise," Beca blurted.

"When? An hour after midnight? Long after you've kissed Jesse, and he's had his lips on yours, and his hands all over you…"

Closing her eyes, Beca tried to shake the image of Chloe seeing such a display, and running away in tears. She sighed sadly and looked up to the ceiling, as if offering up a prayer for the answer to her troubles. What she found, was mistletoe. Gathering all of her courage, Beca took Chloe's tear stained face into her hands and brought that face down close to hers for a kiss, as her lips slowly, reverently, roved all over the redhead's warm, supple mouth, causing them both to moan in satisfaction.

"Day-um," a voice from the doorway murmured in shock, before the all too familiar teasing kicked in, and someone sang, "I saw Beca kissing Chlo-o-ee, underneath the mistletoe last night…"

The two amorous Bellas parted with a gasp of surprise, and looked over to see Fat Amy standing there, holding two suitcases, which she dropped loudly and carelessly to the floor, then eagerly ran over to her friends, hugging them both tightly.

"What's up, pitches? I've missed you guys!" Amy let go of them, caught Chloe's state of undress, and the enticing teddy she wore. "Jesus, Chloe, you're dressed up like a Victoria's Secret model! Did I interrupt more than just a kiss?" She glanced pointedly at Beca, who looked away in embarrassment.

Chloe dutifully gave her Bella sister, Amy, a quick kiss on the cheek, and the Australian could feel the fresh tears on her friend's face. "Hi, Amy. I'm sorry, but I just… I…" and she fled the room, sobbing loudly.

"Fuck, what did I say?" the blond asked in confusion. "Were you two about to have sex on the dining room table, or something?"

"Ames," Beca sighed sadly, "I'm in trouble…"

Amy shook her head. "Oh, when aren't you in trouble is the real question, Becs. What did you do to Chloe this time? I thought you two would be happy here alone together…"

"We have been," Beca avowed.

"Great. So, what the hell is the problem, then?"

"Tomorrow is New Year's Eve…"

"I know," Amy conceded. "That's why I came home early. I wanted to go to the a Capella New Year's Eve bash. It's the best party of the season!"

"We wanted to go, too," Beca murmured.

"What's stopping you?"

"Well, nothing, technically," the small brunette admitted. "It's just that… I got a text a few minutes ago from Jesse, and he's… coming back tomorrow in time for the party and he can't wait to see me…" She looked rather dejected.

"So?"

"So… he'll probably want a New Year's kiss…"

"And?"

Beca sniffled a little. "I think Chloe wanted to, uh, give me a kiss for New Year's…"

"And?" Amy asked again.

"And… I think I wanted to let her," Beca whispered.

"And so the truth comes out!" Amy practically shouted in triumph. "But of course, you'll be expected to do your girlfriendly duties and suck face with Jesse."

Rubbing her eyes with the heel of her hands, Beca muttered, "Yeah…"

"I told ya, Becs, there's an easy solution to your problem."

"Oh, yeah? What's that?"

"Drop Jesse and become Chloe's girlfriend."

The small DJ looked panicked. "I… I…"

Amy groaned. "You're pathetic, Mitchell. You know that?"

"I do know that, yes," Beca agreed. "So, can you help me?"

Looking determined, and rubbing her hands together, Amy replied, "Let's see what we can do…"

PP PP PP

Over the course of the next twenty-four hours, quite a few of the Bellas had returned to Barden University. Stacie, Lilly, Cynthia Rose, and Flo were all back. No word had come from Jessica and Ashley- not that anyone had really given them much thought, anyway- and Emily, they knew, wasn't due to come back to the Bella House until the day before school resumed the next week.

The Bellas were all buzzing about the house, excited to be back, and to go to the New Year's Eve a Capella bash. They all had loved coming home to a clean house, thanking their red haired co-captain, except for Lilly, who frankly told Chloe that she missed the cobwebs in her room.

The returning Bellas couldn't help but to notice how forlorn both Beca and Chloe were upon their arrival. Beca mostly kept to herself, quiet and sullen, only speaking when spoken to. And Chloe, usually the happiest person in the world during the holidays, was sad, weepy, heartbroken, and kept herself busy by taking down the Christmas holiday décor and running to her room, in tears, whenever anyone dared to ask how her Christmas had gone, being here with Beca.

The girls, at Amy's urging, who knew all too well what was going on, cornered Beca finally, trying to get to the bottom of this horrible melancholy that had taken over the Bella House.

"All right, Beca, spill it," Stacie demanded to know, "what did you do now?"

"What do you mean?" the small DJ asked innocently.

"Oh, come on," Cynthia Rose groaned. "Chloe's a total mess. Even more so than usual!"

"Hey!" Beca retorted defensively. "Chloe is not always a mess! And just because she appears to be right now, why does everyone here assume that it has something to do with me?"

They all just stared at her for the longest moment, making her squirm under their scrutiny.

"You know her whole life revolves around you and the Bellas," Flo reminded her. "And I honestly believe that between the two, you would come first!"

"I'm sure that's not true," Beca began, looking down at her shoes.

"You're an idiot, Becs," Amy butt in, "if you don't believe it."

"Yeah, it's always been, since the beginning, the whole Chloe loves Beca and Beca loves Chloe show," Stacie added. "She's the… yin to your yang!"

"The strawberry topping to your vanilla ice cream," Amy put in.

"She's the wind beneath your wings," Cynthia Rose piped up.

"She's Juliet to your Romeo," Flo tried her hand at it, but everyone stared at her in shock and dismay.

"Jesus, Flo, I hope not!" Beca groaned at her. "They both ended up dead!"

"Thanks for the spoiler," the small Guatemalan sighed.

"Chloe is the broccoli to your tuna fish casserole," Lilly whispered with great certainty.

Beca made a face of disgust. She hated tuna casserole. "What?"

"So," Stacie went back to her original question, "what the hell did you do to her, Beca?"

Before Beca could defend herself, Amy cut in and explained the whole situation to the rest of the Bellas. By the end of the tale, all of them were staring at Beca, and if looks could kill, the little DJ would be surrounded by a chalk outline by now.

"I can't believe you're such a rat," Stacie muttered at her.

"I really don't know why you keep that beard of yours, anyway, Becs," Cynthia Rose hissed. "I mean, everybody knows you're as gay as a picnic basket when it comes to Chloe."

"Wait! She has a beard?" Flo asked in shock, coming closer and touching Beca's chin. "But your skin is so smooth…"

Beca shoved her friend's hand away in annoyance. "Stop it!"

"Flo, that just means that Jesse is a cover, a disguise, to hide who Beca really has the hots for, namely Chloe," Stacie explained.

"Oh, in my country, it just means you're hirsute," the athletic Bella replied with a shrug.

Folding her arms across her chest, perturbed over Flo's ineptitude and Stacie's bold assumptions, Beca asked, "Who says I have the hots for Chloe?" Again, all of the other Bellas stared at her as if she had lobsters crawling out of her ears.

"Seriously?" Stacie asked her pointedly.

"You two are practically married," Cynthia Rose added.

"But since you are not officially married, it is more like you are living in sin," Flo told her, making the sign of the cross, causing all of the others to roll their eyes at her old fashioned platitudes.

"Hey," Amy cut through all of the nonsense and talk, which wasn't getting them anywhere, "Becs, do you or do you not want Chloe to kiss you at midnight for the New Year's Eve party, or would you rather suck face with Jesse?"

Beca turned away, her face beet red, her eyes going a little teary. While her Bella sisters had some insight into she and Chloe's loving, touchy-feely, enigmatic relationship, she was not used to blurting out her feelings to anyone- except for Chloe.

Seeing how this was affecting her friend, Amy softened her approach a little, coming closer and wrapping a sisterly arm around the smaller Bella. "Come on, Beca," she gently urged, "you know that you're in a safe place. We're your sisters and we love you. There's no judging here. So, just answer honestly, please. Do you really want to kiss Chloe at midnight, or would you rather kiss Jesse, and break that little ginger's heart?"

"I would never want to break Chloe's heart," Beca avowed with certainty.

"Okay, so why then can't you just admit it, Beca?" Stacie gently pressed her. "Why can't you tell us that you love Chloe?"

"Well, of course, I love Chloe," Beca began with her usual spiel. "She's my best friend, and I-"

"We all know that's bullshit," Amy interrupted her.

"Bullshit? Why?"

Amy rolled her eyes. "Because I am your best friend, Becs. Chloe is your lady."

"My lady?" Beca repeated with a snort, it sounded so ridiculous this way. "Who am I? Kenny Rogers?"

"You know what she means," Cynthia Rose pushed further. "Chloe's your lover."

Beca grimaced at the cheesy cliché.

"Yeah, she's your baby," Flo reiterated. "Your one, true love!"

"She's your girlfriend, your sweetheart," Stacie added. "The one you love to sleep with every night."

At this, Beca blushed, although she couldn't deny it. Beca loved snuggling up to Chloe every night.

"She is your significant other," Lilly whispered suddenly, actually loud enough for them all to hear her. Beca nodded in approval.

"That's the first thing I've ever heard come out of Lilly's mouth that makes any sense," Cynthia Rose said in surprise.

"That is the first thing I've ever heard come out of her mouth at all," Flo declared, equally shocked.

"So," Stacie tried for a third time. "Let's hear you say it, Beca."

"Say what?"

The tall blond rolled her eyes. "Beca, admit it, out loud. Say, 'I love Chloe Beale, and she's my significant other.' Say it… NOW!"

Averting her gaze, and with a small sigh, Beca quietly stated, "I love Chloe Beale, and she's my significant other… well, I mean, she will be, hopefully… someday…"

"Someday?" Cynthia Rose repeated in disbelief. "If you went upstairs right now and asked Chloe to be your girlfriend, you know she would say YES!"

Beca's face got that panicky look again.

"Eh, hey guys," Amy intervened on her friend's behalf, "Beca's got those tiny, little legs, so remember, it's just baby steps here."

"Uh, thanks?" Beca replied, narrowing her eyes at the Australian for the short joke.

"You're welcome. And since you are such a big wienie and I doubt you'd be willing to just break it off with Jesse tonight, we need to come up with a game plan so you can get busy with your kissy bits on Chloe. And it just so happens… I have a game plan!"

"What is it?" Stacie asked, as they all looked at Amy in a fair amount of trepidation. Amy's great ideas were really hit or miss, and some of them were downright disastrous. She put calming hands on Beca's visibly trembling shoulders.

"We're gonna sing!" Amy announced triumphantly. She received quite a few odd looks from her fellow Bellas.

"Huh?" Beca asked in confusion. She was getting more afraid by the second that things would not go well at the party later.

"Don't worry, Becs, you'll see, it will work," Amy assured her. "But we really need to try and practice for a few hours, so we need to get moving. Beca, go get Chloe. She's our choreographer, after all."

Beca started for the stairs, but turned back to ask, "But what do I tell her?"

"Just tell her we're going to perform tonight at the party, and we need our favorite ginger to give us a hand with the dance routine."

"Okay, but-"

"Just do it," Amy snapped at her, and Beca hurriedly bounded up the stairs, taking two steps at a time. "Girls," she addressed the rest of the Bellas, "Let's move the sofa over in the living room. We're gonna need some space here!"

PP PP PP

The Bellas, of those who were present, including a very quiet and emotional Chloe, got to work, performing a five minute medley of winter songs, ending with Auld Lang Syne, trying to find the right choreography to accompany it. They planned on performing their number just before midnight at the New Year's Eve bash this evening.

"I don't think this is going to work, Amy," Chloe admitted sadly, looking more defeated now than she had when the college dean had forbid the Bellas from competing on any collegiate level, earlier in the year. "I know I'm not at my best right now. There's not enough time, and my choreography is horrible."

"It's not horrible," Amy assured her. "A little mediocre, perhaps, but-"

"Shut up, Amy," Cynthia Rose growled at her.

Stacie intervened. "It's really good, Chloe," she assured the ginger. "We just need to practice it a bit more to smooth it out. Besides, we're just performing at a party. It doesn't have to be perfect."

"But it does!" Chloe insisted adamantly. "We're the Barden Bellas, known for perfection! I know it's not a competition, but we still have a reputation to uphold!"

Beca, who hadn't said much to her best friend over the past twelve hours, timidly approached and tentatively touched Chloe's arm. "Hey, don't worry. We still have a lot of time to practice. Your choreography rocks, as always, and I know we got this! We will look perfect! We're the Bellas, after all, right?" She offered the woman an encouraging smile.

Chloe didn't smile back, but she gave her a determined nod and reached up to squeeze Beca's hand. "Okay. We're the Bellas. We got this!"

PP PP PP

That night at the party, the Bellas all showed up wearing matching outfits from an older performance, with pretty sparkly sequins all over their costumes, looking dazzling under the lighting. When they went in with the other a Capella groups, they weren't sure how they would be received. After all, they had been absolutely disgraced at the beginning of the year, on account of Amy's unfortunate costume malfunction. To their great relief, only a handful of individuals- not any of the other groups as a whole- gave them dirty looks or made a nasty comment. Everyone else overwhelmingly welcomed them in with cheers and pats on the back as they walked by.

Before doing anything else, Beca made a point to discuss with the captains of the other groups, letting them know that they had planned a performance to be performed about five minutes till midnight. The other group leaders agreed, and Beca smiled and thanked them, then returned to the Bellas and let them know that their plan was a go!

The other Bellas smiled and cheered. Only Chloe was confused. "What plan?" she asked.

Beca leaned in and gave her favorite redhead a tight embrace and a kiss on the cheek. "Just the plan to… entertain the masses, babe. That's what we Bellas do best, right?"

Chloe nodded. "Although I'm still not sure if the choreography is right…"

The small DJ offered up another tight squeeze. "Chlo, the choreography is great, the girls are great, and you're great! Everything will be…"

"Great?" Chloe managed to joke with her, and she made her companion laugh.

"Exactly! Now, come on, Chlo, let's go grab some drinks and make some merriment!" She took her beloved bestie by the hand and led her over to the bar.

Beca made sure to offer Chloe a lot of encouragement, hugs, kisses, and kept the atmosphere cheerful and light, because she knew that at any moment…

"Be-Caw!" Jesse yelled from across the courtyard, coming over and grabbing Beca out of Chloe's grasp. He hugged her fiercely, and kissed her soundly, all within a foot of Chloe's watchful eye.

The ginger's big blue eyes grew dark and cloudy, and she quickly left the vicinity, sniffling and wiping away a few tears. Beca watched her leave, feeling guilty and missing her already.

"Hey, where did Chloe go?" Jesse asked, glancing around. "I was going to say hi. Plus, I thought she might grab us each a drink."

Beca blew out a breath, barely keeping a seething retort about her best friend not being a damn waitress, but she held it in check, trying to be happy for Jesse's sake, trying to smile and be a good girlfriend. She hung out with Jesse for several hours, constantly checking her phone, looking forward to making it to the midnight hour.

After what seemed an excruciatingly long time of listening to Jesse laugh and talk and visit with her, or any other Treble that happened to walk by, getting drunker with each alcoholic beverage he imbibed, her phone said that it was twelve minutes to midnight. It was showtime!

"Uh, hey, I have plans to perform with the Bellas in a few minutes," she told him as she subtly steered him over to where Benji Applebaum was attempting another magic trick to enthrall the masses. "I'll… be back in a little bit, okay?"

"Yeah, sure, Becs, sure," he told her, smiling. "Have fun. I'll be waiting for you." He tipped his drink in her direction, nearly spilling it all over her.

"Okay, cool," she chuckled. He was pretty drunk already, and hopefully would never figure out her secret plans. She nodded and trotted off to find the other Bellas.

Beca grabbed Cynthia Rose off of the dance floor, and Stacie from the bar. Flo had been talking to someone from one of her classes in another a Capella group over in a corner.

"Where's Lilly?" Beca sighed tiredly. She was already exhausted and could not see the kooky Bella anywhere.

A tap on her shoulder made Beca jump in surprise. She spun around and there was Lilly standing behind her. "Here I am," she whispered.

"Jesus! You scared me, Lilly," the small DJ groaned. "Where the hell have you been?"

"Behind you… all night…" Lilly told her, whispering creepily into Beca's ear. It gave the Bella co-captain a serious case of the heebie jeebees.

No one had yet seen Chloe or Amy. "Where could they be?" Stacie asked in frustration.

"Anyone check the bathroom for Amy?" suggested Flo. "She was eating an awful lot of guacamole earlier…"

"Well, go check, then," Beca urged the Guatemalan.

"No way!" Flo balked. "Last time I had to use a bathroom after Amy, I needed a gas mask!"

Nobody else seemed all that eager to volunteer either. Beca was about to hold her breath and go searching the stalls for the rambunctious Australian, when Cynthia Rose noticed Amy- or at least her arm, which was sticking out from behind the curtain of the outdoor stage. "Hey, there's Amy!"

"Great," Beca sighed in relief. "But… still no sign of Chloe?" She glanced into the faces of all of her friends, her worry etched into hers. The other Bellas seemed to share her sentiment. No one had really seen hide nor hair of Chloe ever since she'd run off crying upon Jesse's arrival to the party.

The Bellas ventured up to the stage, eager to ask if Amy had possibly seen the elusive redhead, but they needn't have bothered. Chloe was actually backstage with Amy, crying on the blond's shoulder. Amy was patting the co-captain's back, and whispering soothingly to her, but she was clearly out of her element. The only Bella that could ever effectively calm Chloe down when she got this bad was usually Beca.

"What's wrong?" Stacie asked, as they got closer.

Amy glowered at Beca. "You just had to kiss Jesse in front of her!"

"No, I didn't!" Beca promised. "He kissed me! Chloe, you saw, babe! You know I didn't initiate that, or even consent to it!"

"We're supposed to perform right about now," Amy reminded her. "If we don't start within the next two minutes, the whole plan will be ruined!"

"What is this plan you keep talking about?" Chloe whined, as Beca took hold of her and drew her into an embrace. "Why won't anyone tell me what it is?"

"We will," Beca told her. "But… it's a… surprise!"

"For me?" Chloe asked, intrigued, in spite of herself.

"That's right! But we need to start the performance," Beca said, "otherwise the plan won't work."

"I don't know if I can, Becs," Chloe admitted, sniffling, with tears still dripping down from her red rimmed eyes. "I'm such a mess."

"Like that's ever stopped you before," Cynthia Rose cracked, and was met with a dirty look by just about all of them.

"You can do this, Chlo," Beca encouraged. "I know you can!"

"Why? How do you know?"

"Because… you're a professional, Chloe. A professional… performer, and… the show must go on!"

Her words did the trick, inspiring Chloe into action, as the redhead squared her shoulders and mentally prepared herself for the job ahead. "Yes, of course, you're right. I'm ready now!"

The other Bellas cheered her on, but Amy merely sighed in annoyance. She had basically been saying the same things to Chloe for the past five minutes, but to no avail. Chloe could not be consoled! But here Beca waltzes in and says a few words, and suddenly Chloe transforms into the consummate professional, ready to rock the joint. "Ah, the magic of Beca Mitchell," she muttered under her breath, walking over to her spot in preparation of performing.

Beca overheard her, and couldn't help but to smile.

Everyone else got into place, Beca standing next to Chloe, as was standard procedure by now. "Okay, Bellas, let's do this!" she declared, giving a quick blow into the pitch pipe, before shoving it back into her pocket. Everyone responded with enthusiasm, but the point was, all of them were being asked an awful lot, taking time out of their vacation, about to perform a routine that was thought up merely that afternoon. And this was all being done so that Beca could kiss Chloe at midnight. But they were family, and you do for family…

The crowd quieted down, respectfully giving their attention to the performers on the stage. And the group began singing Winter Wonderland, Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Sleigh Ride, and finally, Auld Lang Syne. The choreography that Chloe was so worried about was more than adequate, their dancing up to snuff, and their audience was mainly drunk, so it wouldn't really have mattered either way. And of course, their singing was superb, as always, especially since everyone knew the classic holiday songs.

Their songs were perfectly timed, thanks to Beca, just as their last song ended, the stage lights blacked out, as everyone in the audience started shouting "Happy new year!" or blowing horns, whistling, throwing confetti and popping poppers, drunkenly singing their own versions of Auld Lang Syne, and giving each other hugs and kisses.

In the safety of the dark, barely even able to make out the outline of her beautiful face, Beca grabbed Chloe's arm, pulling her close, and whispered, "Happy new year, sweet Chlo!" And then the little DJ braved up enough to follow through with the plan, pressing a soft, moist, open mouthed kiss to Chloe's lips.

Chloe's eyes shot open for a brief second, shocked to feel Beca's tongue pushing tentatively into her mouth. Her eyes soon closed in pure ecstasy as she dueled Beca's tongue with her own, wrapping her arms around her favorite person in the whole wide world! Her trembling hands tangled in Beca's hair, pulling her even closer and deepening the kiss.

The other Bellas surrounded their co-captains, watching with unabashed fascination. Though they had seen the two women being affectionate before, even stealing a kiss or two, what was happening now looked like a steamy love scene from a rated R movie!

"Jesus!" Amy gasped in surprise.

"Damn, that's hot," Stacie declared, nodding in approval. The other Bellas looked at her. "Oh, come on, you all know it is! Cynthia Rose, you get it. You think they're hot, right?"

Cynthia Rose shrugged. "Eh. I mean, they're cute, and they're definitely hot for each other, but neither of these little white girls exactly do it for me."

"Really?" Stacie asked doubtfully. "Okay, then what isit that does it for you then?"

"I like my women tall," she said, visually sizing the statuesque blond up appreciatively, before gazing longingly at her cleavage. "And stacked…"

Stacie rolled her eyes and Amy whispered to her, "Ask a stupid question, get a stupid answer."

"They are very cute," Flo finally admitted, before clearing her throat to add, "in a totally gay and non-sensual way for me, of course."

"Chloe is eating her face," Lilly whispered, and Amy nodded.

"Sure looks that way," the Australian agreed. "Okay, lesbos, come up for air, why don't you?"

The lights were systematically coming back on, one row at a time. The lights by the stage would be the last to pop up.

"Oh, shit!" Stacie cried, and she and Amy pulled the amorous lovebirds apart.

Chloe nearly swooned and she leaned, dreamy-eyed, against Amy's side.

"Hey," Beca demanded to know, her chest heaving in arousal and anger at being interrupted from the best kiss she'd ever had. "What did you do that for?"

"The lights are coming up, shorty," Stacie advised her.

And like that, the stage lights came up, illuminating all of the wide eyed Bellas.

"Here comes Jesse," Cynthia Rose warned them urgently, as she saw him drunkenly making his way to the stage.

"Gone With the Wind came out in 1939," Lilly whispered randomly.

Only Flo responded. "Do you mean the movie or the book?"

"There was a book?" Amy asked in surprise.

"Ladies!" Jesse shouted a little louder than he needed to, as he was now right there on stage with them. He wobbled a little in his stance. "You were all great tonight!" he congratulated them.

"Thanks," they all replied, taking such a drunken compliment with a grain of salt.

Amy noticed Bumper Allen out in the audience. He was looking directly at her, with a suggestive grin. "Well, gotta go," she announced, bounding down the stairs, taking them two at a time. She disappeared with the security guard and wasn't seen for the rest of the night.

Lilly and Cynthia Rose split without a word. That left Beca, who looked visibly guilty, and still a little turned on, Chloe, who appeared both twitterpated and terrified at the same time, and Stacie, who just looked on in amusement.

"Thanks, Jess," Beca replied, trying to look like she hadn't just been playing tonsil hockey with her best friend in the dark moments ago.

"Hey, Chloe," Stacie suggested calmly, and gently, taking the starry-eyed redhead by the arm and leading her off the stage towards the bar, "let's go get a drink to toast in the new year, shall we?"

"But… Beca…" Chloe murmured, staring wistfully at the woman she loved, even as she was being led away from her.

"I'll see you soon, Red," Beca called after her, unable to hide the look of longing on her face at the retreating form of her beloved. Thankfully, Jesse was just too drunk to notice.

Once Chloe was out of sight, Beca came closer to her boyfriend. "Hey, Jess, you plan on doing any more drinking, or…?"

Before answering, Jesse bent down and planted a very chaste peck on her lips. "Happy New Year!" he said, then licked his lips. "Hey, since when do you wear cotton candy lip gloss, Becs?" he laughed in amusement. Beca wasn't even known for ever using flavored chap stick, unless it was cherry.

Beca gulped. Since never! She never wore that type of lip gloss… but Chloe did… He was tasting her earlier kiss with Chloe, still lingering on her tingling lips. "Oh, uh, just got some for Christmas, so thought I'd try it."

"Tastes good," he said, smiling goofily.

"Yeah," she agreed, thinking back to that midnight smooch with great reverence and passion.

"Hey, I hope you don't mind, Becs, but I'm really beat tonight," Jesse told her apologetically, "I mean, with the jet lag, and the long cab ride. Plus, I'm… just a little drunk." He giggled, sounding much more than a little drunk.

"Really? Hadn't noticed," she teased him good-naturedly.

"Would you mind if we just called it a night and hung out tomorrow?" he asked hopefully. He had some hopeful news to tell her; he had learned over winter break that he had, indeed secured a recording job working in film in Hollywood after graduation, but he was currently too drunk to remember.

"That sounds like a good idea," she agreed, making a show of yawning. "I'm tired, too. Holiday cheer always takes it out of me."

He laughed appreciatively. "Okay, then. You and me, hanging out tomorrow. Sounds like a great way to start the new year. Can you help me find Benji? He agreed to get me back to the Treble House in one piece."

"Sure," she said, letting him wrap an arm about her shoulder, to keep him steady and upright. "So, uh, how was your vacation?" she asked. "You seemed cool when I talked with you on Christmas, but we haven't really talked much since then."

"It was good. My mom made entirely too much food, and I seriously think I gained five pounds. Got to hang out with my sister, and cousins. Hadn't seen a lot of them in a while. What about you? Did you and your dad come to a better understanding about each other?"

"Um, yeah, I- I think we did," Beca murmured, hoping Jesse wouldn't discover that most of that understanding had a lot to do with her same-sex attraction to Chloe.

"How'd you get along with Sheila?" he asked knowingly. He had heard a few of the horror stories about her.

"Good."

"Really?" he pressed her.

"Well, we had a few rough spots, but we worked them out all right, I think. I mean, for the sake of the holiday, and my dad, anyway."

"That's cool, Becs. And at least you had Chloe with you to support you."

Beca's eyes grew wide, and she stared at him with confusion and fear. She had not told him anything about Chloe staying with her for Christmas in any texts or phone calls. "Uh, Chloe? Oh, no, she didn't," and he gave her a pointed look. "How… how did you know?"

"Hello?" he laughed. "Facebook!"

"But I haven't posted anything on Facebook in a while," she stated with certainty.

"No, you hardly ever do, but Chloe did," he said. "She's always posting stuff."

"Chloe?" she asked in alarm. "How could you even see her page? I helped her mark it private."

"Yeah, but she and I are friends on Facebook," he mentioned casually, hiccupping several times.

"What?!" Beca declared in disbelief. "What the hell?! I didn't approve of this! How come nobody ever told me that you're friends with Chloe on Facebook?"

"Well, maybe it's because of the way you're acting right now?" he suggested. "What's the big deal, anyway?"

"Who sent the friend request?" Beca demanded to know, using her indignation to hide her fear over what could possibly be on Chloe's page.

He thought about it for a moment, his head spinning, his mind reeling from the lack of sleep and too much booze. "Eh… Chloe did… I think…"

"You think?" she retorted. "Don't you remember?"

Jesse's head was beginning to hurt. He was anxious to find Benji and go back to his room for a twelve hour nap. Plus, Beca was being loud and relentless. "Becs, it's after midnight. I've had little sleep in the past twenty-four hours, and I'm drunk as a skunk! So excuse me if I can't fully recall… but yeah, it was Chloe. But who cares? This happened over three years ago!"

"Three years ago?" Beca nearly exploded, then gave him a sympathetic glance, as she saw him wince and hold his head. "Sorry. It's just that, you're my… uh, Jesse, and she's my… Chloe…" Her voice trailed off, realizing how idiotic she sounded. It wasn't as if she could actually tell him anything.

"So?" he chuckled. "Are you jealous, or something, Be-Caw?"

"Of course not," she insisted, snorting at his accusations. She was mostly worried that Chloe had posted a lovey-dovey picture of the two of them, and he had seen it."

"Well, good. I mean, you know you have nothing to worry about, right?" he tried to reassure her. "I mean, I'm not even attracted to Chloe."

Beca narrowed her eyes at him, immediately on the defensive. "Excuse me?" she hissed at him. "What, are you fucking blind?! Chloe is gorgeous! Breathtaking! I mean, she's like supermodel hot!"

Jesse laughed again, although he felt rather uncomfortable now. "I'm sorry, Becs. I meant no offense. Of course, Chloe is your best friend, and she's very pretty-"

"Beautiful!" Beca insisted.

"Beautiful," he amended, finding it fascinating how protective women could be over their friends. He himself could have cared less if anyone had said Benji wasn't handsome. "But she's just not my type, I guess," and he noticed Beca's expression had gone from defensive to if-looks-could-kill-he'd-be-dead-right-now. "I mean, she could be my type, if I wasn't with you. So, I'd probably date her if you and I weren't-"

"What makes you think she would date you?" she retorted, feeling jealous and possessive at just the thought of Jesse making moves on Chloe.

Jesse picked up on the jealousy, even if he was mistaken as to the reasoning behind it. "Becs, you don't have to be jealous, babe."

"I'm not," she insisted. "I'm just… protective."

"I wouldn't worry," he assured her. "I'm sure I'm safe. Chloe doesn't appear to be a man eater type. In fact, I don't think I've ever even seen her date a guy…"

"I wasn't worried about you," she told him, trying to deflect his sudden curiosity over Chloe's dating habits, or lack thereof. He laughed, thinking she was just kidding, and she let him think what he wanted to at that point. "So, what did you see on Chloe's Facebook page, anyway?"

Looking around for his elusive roommate, Jesse replied, "Oh, just some nice pictures of you and Chloe at your dad's, and… what's her name? That mean, old aunt of yours…?"

"Edna."

"Yeah. Just you guys and some with your dad, and a few other relatives, I think. But I guess it's cool that she managed to stay here for the holidays. Makes me want to kick myself."

"Wh- why is that?" she asked nervously.

"Well, Chloe thought to stay here with you to get you through hanging out with your dad's family all vacation."

"Um, not really," she explained, unable to look him in the eye. "It's was accidental. Her flight was canceled, so…"

"Sure," he snickered. "Anyhow, she was a better boyfriend to you than I was, and I'm sorry."

If Beca had been drinking something, she surely would have choked on it. As it was, she sputtered in embarrassment over his choice of words. "Um, I… uh…"

"Of course, women are more intuitive about their friends and loved ones' feelings than men are. Well, except maybe for you, Becs," Jesse went on obliviously. "You always seem to have a hard time reading even the simplest of emotions, especially when it's-"

"Hey, look! Over there, it's Benji!" Beca interrupted in elation, anxious to have this conversation come to an end. "Why don't you have him help you get home, and then give me a call tomorrow sometime, after you wake up?"

He nodded tiredly, sloppily kissing her cheek. "Sure, Becs. Happy new year."

She watched as he wobbled over to his friend, Benji, and the two of them left the party. Satisfied that they would be all right, Beca's train of thought went immediately back to Chloe, especially wondering over her whereabouts. She turned around, planning to go look for her, and nearly ran smack dab into the redhead.

"Hey," Chloe said, smiling.

"Jesus, Chlo! Why are you hovering behind me?"

"I'm not," the slightly tipsy woman explained. "I just saw you and walked over. Simple as that. Sorry if I startled you."

"That's okay."

"And I'm… sorry, for causing you all of this trouble. I don't mean to." She looked properly ashamed.

"No, don't apologize, Chlo," Beca told her. "You've done absolutely nothing wrong. I feel bad for everything I've put you through. Nobody would be in this mess if it wasn't for me. I guess I just… need to grow some balls…"

"To go with your dick?" Chloe asked with a mischievous smirk.

"Bite me, Chlo."

"Sorry, couldn't resist," the beautiful redhead apologized.

"So," Beca went on, raring to get her back for that dick joke, "been on Facebook lately?"

"Yeah, this morning. Why?"

"Oh, I don't know… just curious as to when you were going to tell me that you friended Jesse more than three years ago?" She stared pointedly at her.

"Um, whoops!" Chloe giggled, sounding slightly inebriated. "I guess I thought I had. Must have slipped my mind. Not a big deal, though… right?"

"Right… except that he probably knows more about what's going on in my life than I ever thought he had. And all without me even knowing!"

Chloe made an apologetic face. "Um, sorry? Are you mad?"

Beca sighed in defeat. No use getting angry over something that happened years ago. Besides, how could she stay angry at the beautiful woman standing beside her. Still, she needed a little ribbing. "You're just lucky you're that pretty, Chlo," she teased her.

The older Bella giggled. "So, you still love me, then?"

"Always, Chloe. Always."

"Me, too, Becs. I'll love you forever!"

"You better."

Chloe flung an arm casually about her true love's shoulders. "Hmm, what do you think, Becs? It's just after 12:30. Did you want to do some serious partying? Maybe grab one more drink…?"

The little brunette shrugged. "Sure, I could go for another drink…"

"… or we could go home, snuggle up in a nice, warm bed, and do some serious cuddling?"

"Oh, um, home; home is good," Beca amended slyly, just loving the idea of drifting off into slumber, Chloe's sensual form filling her arms.

The two Bellas smiled lovingly at each other, and walked a little faster, anxious to get home and into a nice, warm bed… together.

The End