Notes: Well here's a little something. Just wanted to take a break from other stuff and this AU is fun to write. Also there is A LOT of dialogue in this one.
Chapter 2: (love) sick puppy
"What a fuckin' small world." It was all Beca could say about the whole encounter but it left her with so many questions.
Beca didn't think too much of it at first but throughout their drive home, she couldn't stop thinking of Stacie and Chloe's surprising and unexpected friendship. She wanted to ask Chloe about it some more but didn't know how to bring it up. It didn't help that Chloe didn't seem to have any intention to talk about it further.
So they don't talk about it. They were having dinner and it doesn't come up. Beca decides to let it go for now but that wasn't the only thing that was bothering her this evening.
Chloe didn't mention anything about the hosting gig either and Beca was starting to overthink all of it. She was able to hold back saying anything to Chloe until they were curled up together in bed. As much as she craved for moments like these with Chloe when it was just the two of them, she knew she wouldn't be able to get some sleep anytime soon.
Chloe reached for the lights and snuggled next to Beca. She already had her head on Beca's chest when she closed her eyes preparing for sleep.
"Good night babe." Chloe yawned and mumbled. "Love you."
"I love you too." Beca kissed Chloe's head. She was mindlessly playing with Chloe's hair and rubbed her arm up and down.
Chloe could tell there was something in Beca's mind just by the way she was holding her. She didn't have to open her eyes to know that Beca still hasn't shut hers.
She even heard Beca let out another sigh. She decided against commenting on it and just wait for Beca to bring up whatever that was on her mind
"So all this time you knew Conrad?" Beca said out of the blue in the dark.
Chloe kept her eyes closed. "Sort of. Yeah."
Beca found sleepy Chloe adorable and squeezed Chloe without really thinking as she chuckled. "What are the odds of that huh?" It was her lame attempt at keeping things light.
"I know. Small world."
"That's what I keep saying. She's good at what she does most days though." Beca joked that earned her a light slap from Chloe.
They were quiet again after that. Chloe heard and felt Beca sigh a couple more times. She still didn't call her out on it. She knew Beca had more to say. After another sigh, Beca asked Chloe. "Are we really not going to talk about it?"
Chloe yawned but kept her head on Beca's chest. "Talk about what?"
"About the hosting gig. You're literally my 10am appointment on Friday."
Chloe nods her response. "Yeah I am."
"So do you want to talk about it?"
"Didn't you just say we have an appointment on Friday? I didn't know our meeting was moved to tonight."
Beca had to roll her eyes for that one. "So you don't want to talk about it?"
Chloe had a feeling they weren't sleeping soon so she pulled back from Beca and rested her head on her own pillow but grabbed Beca's hand to hold. "What's on your mind Bec? Is there something you want to say to me?"
Beca turned her whole body to face Chloe. She wanted to talk about the hosting gig but what she ended up asking was. "How long have you known Conrad exactly?"
It wasn't what Chloe was expecting. "You're losing sleep because of that?" Chloe asked while she thinks about her answer.
"Not too long ago. I met her at the Umbrian, you know the coffee shop I always go to."
"Yes I know that place and I remember you mentioning you met someone there. Was that her? Care to elaborate?"
Chloe inched closer to Beca that the tips of their noses were almost touching. "Yeah so the first time she saw me there, I could tell she recognised me but she didn't approach me right away, she was so cute and nervous and just walked away."
Beca's the one pulling back this time. "Really? She's cute?"
"Yeah. Babe, she's a duck." Chloe repeats cause she feels like Beca is failing to appreciate this fact. "Then the next time we see each other it turned out I was right, she's a duck. She was able to say hi this time and the rest as they say is history.
"Babe I'm sorry but that doesn't surprise me anymore. There are millions of them. I'm actually genuinely surprised they still don't know about us."
"That's true. It's not like we're hiding it really we just don't announce it. But anyway, I still find it cute." Chloe shrugged. "You know how some of them introduce themselves to me and say hello. I appreciate it."
"So do you see her there a lot? At the Umbrian?"
"She buys your coffees everyday you know and I'm at the Umbrian almost everyday. So when we're both there, she would come in and say hello."
"I think she likes you."
"Who? Stacie? Of course she does. She's a duck."
"No I mean, I think she likes you likes you."
"What do you mean?"
"Chloe come on babe. Are you still surprised when I say people like you?" Beca wasn't meeting Chloe's eyes and focused on tucking loose strands of hair behind Chloe's ear.
Chloe gently grabs Beca's hand. "I see what's happening here. I think I get it now."
"What? What do you get?"
"Oh you. Come here."
"Why? What's happening?" Beca could feel this was a trap but Chloe already had her arms around her neck. She kissed Beca on the forehead first and then on the tip of her nose before pulling her into a hug.
"You're jealous. You're almost never jealous." Chloe kisses the side of Beca's head. "It's adorable."
"Me? Jealous? No. Why would I be jealous? Is there anything for me to be jealous about? I mean so what if she likes you? Have you seen yourself? And babe you have millions of subscribers, I bet half of them or at least a quarter of them have a crush on you or would want to date you. I can't be jealous. That's just silly and unnecessary and exhausting." Beca mostly rambled on Chloe's neck.
"Wow. And this is you not jealous."
"Yup you got that right. Not jealous at all."
"Whatever you say babe."
"I'm serious." Beca tried to wriggle out of Chloe's hold but Chloe just held on to her tighter. "I'm not jealous."
"Okay."
"I'm not."
"I just said okay. Why are you so defensive?"
"I'm not being defensive and I'm certainly not jealous."
"Good cause there's nothing to be jealous about. Can we get some sleep now please?"
The next morning it was the usual routine for Beca and Chloe. Beca always leaves for the office first but Chloe's the one who always gets up first. Beca loved walking into their kitchen knowing Chloe would be there with a cup of coffee and a book in hand and she can't help but smile at the view.
"I'm so glad you finally got your glasses fixed."
Chloe didn't notice Beca until she spoke. "Me too. My eyes were starting to hurt."
"You should wear them more often. Not only when your eyes start to hurt."
Chloe stuck her tongue out at Beca, who is shaking her head. "Are you leaving for the office already?"
"Yeah I have to go. You wanna ride? I can wait for you." Beca asked Chloe before leaving even though she can see Chloe was clearly not ready.
Chloe knew if she said yes Beca was going to happily wait for her. "It's okay I want to take my time and I feel like taking the bus today. For inspiration."
"Inspiration?" Beca asked as she grabbed her keys.
Chloe shrugged. "Not that I need more inspiration but you'll never know."
"I'll be done by 5:30 later if you want a lift home."
"I'll keep that in mind. Otherwise I'll see you back here." Chloe nodded at Beca. She sat straighter on the counter when Beca approached her and leaned down for a kiss.
"I love you. Bye."
"You too. Drive safe."
Chloe checked the bus times as soon as Beca left and read two more chapters to pass the time. She didn't really have anything much scheduled for today so she was in no rush. At the rate she was going, she was going to be at the Umbrian a little after nine. Something about the place makes her work better.
"Hey."
Chloe was busy playing around with her calendar when she heard Stacie. "Oh hi. Please sit. I feel like I have to explain some more about last night."
"I'm not gonna lie I've been thinking about a few things."
"Oh okay, like what?"
Chloe could sense Stacie was hesitating. "Did you know all this time I was working for Beca Mitchell?"
"No no, definitely not at the start. I was only able to put two and two together just recently. All it took was one text to confirm my suspicions."
"Then what? You pretended to be my friend? Is that why you said yes to Friday?"
"I never pretended to be your friend. What made you think that?"
"But you were only nice to me because what? You felt guilty that Ms. Mitchell was being a terrible boss to me?"
"Is she a terrible boss though? I would think more of a tough boss and one who would demand nothing short of the best. I mean don't get me wrong, I don't agree with all her ways but it's not my place."
Stacie then found herself unable to respond while Chloe hasn't looked away from Stacie. It was those eyes again that got her, she can't even stay mad at Chloe for more than five minutes.
Since Stacie wasn't saying anything, Chloe continued. "If you're worried that I go back home and tell Beca everything we talk about, I wouldn't do that to you. I think the fact that Beca didn't even know we were friends until last night is a testament to that."
Stacie knew she was in the wrong and that Chloe was right. She suddenly felt guilty cause of how irrational she was acting.
"It's okay. I don't know maybe I should've told you sooner but I don't regret not telling you and I didn't feel like I had to. I wouldn't have hesitated if I felt like you had to know. You can sit down if you want. And I guess I'll also understand if you don't want to be friends anymore." Chloe smiled up to Stacie one last time then looked back down to her laptop.
Stacie still doesn't say anything but she doesn't turn to leave either. She was just standing there and when Chloe noticed she didn't know what was going through Stacie's head. She was going to leave it but she couldn't work like this. "Was there something else?" She looked up to Stacie again.
This time, Stacie avoided eye contact and stepped forward. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for overreacting. I guess I'm a bit overwhelmed. To be honest if someone told me yesterday my boss was the lucky duck I would have never believed it." Stacie hesitated but she sat down across from Chloe.
This doesn't surprise Chloe anymore. Most if not all of her friends and family have said that exact same thing about Beca at the beginning. "She's not that bad, you know."
"Oh but she is."
Chloe had to laugh at that because it's true. She still finds Beca's duality amusing. It's like the other side of Beca was only for her to see.
"As much as I do love to join you for coffee, I really have to go back to the office. You see my boss, she hates it when I'm running late."
Chloe laughed again and nods. "Of course we wouldn't want to keep her waiting."
"But hey. I wanna make it up to you for being a dick about this."
Stacie then starts to blush from the look Chloe gave her, a soft smile with raised eyebrows.
"It's okay, I get it. You don't have to do that. There was no harm done."
"At least let me get you coffee next time?" Stacie kept offering.
Chloe nodded. "Sure, okay. Ralph knows what I like."
"Great. I'll see you around then."
"Okay. You better get going. I don't want you to get into trouble. I'll see you Friday."
"Friday?"
"Yeah. I'm scheduled to come in and see you on Friday at 10am aren't I?"
"You're still doing that?"
"Why not?"
"Nothing I just thought. Nothing. Right alright. I'll see you then."
"See you Stace."
Beca was having a rough morning. She received an email on her way to work about artists complaining about the stage and some artists were alleging they were not being treated properly. Whatever they meant by that was beyond Beca but she was going to get to the bottom of it.
Beca was more than her usual grumpy terrifying bossy self and Stacie couldn't help but stare. This was definitely not the person she saw with Chloe just less than 24 hours ago.
"Yes Ms Conrad?"
"Sorry Ma'am."
Beca just raised her eyebrows at Stacie before she went back to go through endless reports and trying to get on top of all the complaints about the stage and production and now treatment of the artists.
Stacie cleared her throat. "Sorry again. Here's your coffee."
Beca just takes it and doesn't look back up to Stacie.
"Can you get Swanson here." Beca said while flipping through the pages.
"Yes Ma'am."
As Stacie was closing Beca's office door, she could hear more swearing coming from her boss.
The much-awaited appointment with Chloe was literally moments away from now and Beca knew Chloe to be punctual. Not sure if Chloe was feeling the same, but Beca was anxious about this since it was scheduled.
Beca and Chloe did their usual morning routine earlier. There was nothing out of the ordinary about their morning and maybe that's what made Beca more nervous about this meeting. She wouldn't bring it up since she was adamant to keep work separate from their personal life and Chloe wouldn't bring it up unless Beca brought it up first. So they never addressed the elephant in the room.
"Ms. Mitchell? Your 10am is here. Should I let Chloe in here? In your office?" Stacie really thought Beca would prefer to talk to Chloe in the confines of her office.
Beca shakes her head. "No not here. Can you take Ms. Beale to conference room 3? You can start without me. I'll follow."
"Oh. Yes Ma'am." Stacie was surprised. She was sure that they would've met in her office instead of being in the glass room where everyone in the office can see them.
Almost everyone in the office recognised Chloe and everyone looked at her as soon as she walked in. Chloe smiled at all of them as she followed Stacie to the conference room.
Lily stands up when she sees them come in.
"Chloe hi. It's so good to see you. Welcome. Please sit." Lily said.
"Thanks. It has been a minute. How's everything? I've heard about the pickle you guys are in."
Stacie could tell by how familiar they were with each other and the fact that they knew each other in the first place could only mean Lily also knew. She wondered who else in the office knew about them. Stacie made a mental note to ask Chloe about it next time. For now she had to focus.
"No thank you for coming in to see us at the last minute." Lily said.
"Yeah well I'm doing it for a friend." Chloe glances over to where Stacie was standing. "Shall we begin or are we waiting for?"
"Nope we can begin. We wouldn't want to waste any of your time." Stacie cleared her throat. "So as you know, we are having our annual Christmas concert where we will be showcasing..." Lily and Stacie began their presentation.
Beca came in a little after they began. "Sorry I'm late. Please continue." She said as she sat down.
Beca looked to Chloe quickly and slightly bowed her head to greet her. She sat at the other end of the table. Chloe acknowledged her with the same subtle nod as they both listened to the presentation.
It was a short presentation of not more than ten minutes and when they were done, they were all looking at Chloe expectantly.
"So what do you say?" Lily asked Chloe. "Thoughts?"
Chloe was quiet as she considered it. She tilted her head from side to side with her eyebrows scrunched and her chin resting on her hand. She looked through her briefing that was provided to her at the start.
"I am completely on board with this project. I myself am a fan. I feel absolutely honoured that you considered me. The schedule works for me too and so far I don't see any conflicts. My only concern for now would be the stipulations on the contract about me wanting to vlog about the event."
"I'm sure we can work something out around that." Lily answered.
She alternated looking at both Lily and Stacie then stopped to look directly at Beca.
"I guess the other thing I want to know is whether you want me to do this." Chloe asked Beca. It came out of nowhere and Beca wasn't ready for Chloe's question. Apparently no one was, Lily and Stacie exchanged looks not really sure of what she meant by it.
"Me? What do you mean? We wouldn't invite you in if we didn't want you to host our event."
"I'm just asking if you want me to do it."
"Are you really doing it?" Beca asked her back.
"I'd love to. I enjoy these things and I like hosting but for your event specifically you know I'll only do it if you want me to."
"Why?"
"Well cause technically I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Stacie. So if she didn't ask me, would you have? Asked me, I mean?"
Chloe kept her eyes on Beca and Beca was the first one to look away. Stacie and Lily have quietly taken their seats by this time.
"I don't know." Beca finally admitted. "Honestly, maybe not."
"Righto. Okay. Who are your other prospects?" Chloe looks to Stacie this time to indicate the question was directed at her. Stacie begins to stutter. She starts shuffling through the papers in her hand.
Chloe could tell she was nervous. "It's okay if you don't have anyone. That's okay. I know other YouTubers bigger than my channel who can and will do it if I asked."
"Yeah but they won't have the personality and charisma you're bringing to the table." Beca jumps in and they are directly looking at each other again. "Look Chloe it's not that I don't want you to do it. I didn't think of asking you because I was worried about whether or not the risk was worth taking."
"Well your event is in more or less three weeks so I think you're going to have to make a decision sooner rather than later."
"Well you're here now aren't you? So what do you really think about all this? Surely I'm not the only one worried."
Chloe hates how Beca kept asking her questions back at her. She sighed. "Well I always say don't mix business with pleasure but what can we do if our paths are bound to cross? We can't avoid it forever. And what's there to worry about anyway?"
It was another one of those questions that Beca did not have an answer to right now.
"Think of it this way, what if I told you DSM invited me to host their annual Christmas event too?"
"Did they actually? When?" This was the first time Beca was hearing about this. As far as she knew, DSM was already promoting some comedian to be their host.
"Well I wouldn't tell you."
"Why not?"
"Cause you're the President of Bella Corp. So let's just say they did. I know how important this event is for you, I wouldn't say yes to them and it's going to be on the exact same day too this year."
"I know it's so fuckin' annoying. I swear they're doing it on purpose. But why would you say no? You do know you hosted their summer event two years ago."
"I know but isn't the summer event your least favourite anyway?"
Beca and Chloe went back and forth. When they were like this, it was hard for anyone to butt in. Stacie and Lily were like watching a tennis match.
"That is a fair point but still. You're not above hosting for them. So why would you say no this time?"
"I never said I was above hosting for them and I said no because it's on the same day as your event and I'm more interested in their summer hosting gig if I'm being honest."
"You're joking. They already booked you for their summer event?"
Chloe just shrugged. "I haven't signed anything yet."
"Goddammit. I hate DSM. What did they offer you? I bet I can do better."
"No I don't think you can."
"I know I can."
"No Bec I'm serious you can't."
"Why not? What is it?"
Beca could tell just by the look on Chloe's face. "No fuckin' way. Don't tell me."
Chloe just nodded and smiled for the first time in their meeting. She was almost jumping in her seat in excitement.
"How the fuck were they able to land Little Mix?!"
Stacie's ears perked up when she heard this. She knows for a fact Chloe has discovered Little Mix not too long ago and was currently obsessed with them.
"Honestly I don't know and I don't care. It's fate. Just be glad they didn't book them for this year's Christmas event."
"You wouldn't. Wow. That's just wow Chlo."
"But it's Little Mix."
Lily cleared her throat. Beca and Chloe seemed to have forgotten they had company and were in a business meeting.
"Yes, what Lily?" Beca asked a little annoyed.
Lily just looks at Beca and Beca had to clear her throat catching on what she was trying to say.
"So DSM really asked you to host their Christmas event?"
Chloe doesn't answer so Beca continued. "And you're saying no to them because of me?"
"Does it even matter why I turned them down?"
"I think it does. If the only reason you're saying no is because of me, then I don't think that's enough a reason, I think you should do it."
"Oh my god you're not listening to me. I don't even know now why I mentioned it. Do you want me to host your event or not?"
"I think if DSM asked you first."
"No Bec." Chloe cut her off. "Forget about DSM. Just answer my question. Do you want me to host your event or not? Yes or no?"
"Only if you want to do it. I wouldn't want you to do it because I need you."
"So you don't want me to do it?"
"I didn't say that."
"Beca we're going in circles. I just need you to tell me whether or not you want me to do it."
"If you're not hosting for us, then are you going to reconsider DSM's offer?"
"God you know what, I can't with you right now." Chloe was done. She looks to Lily for help. She was shaking her head trying to calm herself. She couldn't even look at Beca. The last thing she wants was to fight with Beca at her place of work in front of her staff.
Lily sighed and looked at Beca.
"What?" Beca started being defensive when she saw the look Lily was giving her.
Stacie was frozen in her seat just confused. She wasn't entirely sure what was happening right now. It's like her brain for some reason can't process the scene that's unfolding in front of her. This was definitely not how she expected this meeting to go.
"I think unless you're going to make a decision now Beca that we should conclude this meeting." Lily suggested.
They were all quiet even Beca whose mouth opened and closed as if considering saying something.
"I think that's a great idea Lily. So how about this?" Chloe said directly to Beca. "Think it over the weekend then on Monday you let me and everyone know what you decide."
Beca looked a bit defeated. It was hard to describe and Chloe wasn't waiting for any response. She stood up from her seat ready to leave. "Thanks for your time ladies."
The moment Chloe stepped out. Stacie was holding her breath. She could see Beca was the same. It looked like she was torn on whether she wanted to run after Chloe or stay put. Lily had to give Stacie a light nudge.
"Good job today, Ms. Conrad." Lily said as she signals her to go ahead and leave them. Stacie didn't dare to look back until she was safely in her cubicle.
She took a quick peek at the conference room and she could see Lily talking to Beca. Beca wasn't looking at Lily but it appeared that they were talking.
"Great. We haven't officially started working together and we're already fighting."
"Surely you saw this coming somehow? Help me understand Becs."
"It's not that I don't want her to do it."
Beca's phone started ringing and it was one of the artist's agents. She looked at Lily apologetically.
Lily nods. "It's okay. I know. Just try to communicate better with her. It's just Chloe."
"That's the thing. It's never just Chloe."
"You'll be fine Becs."
Beca was stuck in her office watching the hours tick by. She never liked fighting with Chloe. It made time go excruciatingly slow. It was very close to torture.
She grabbed her phone wanting to talk to Chloe but she didn't even know where to start. She had many notifications but nothing from Chloe. Between the two of them it was Beca who usually caved. It's ironic how much she hated receiving the silent treatment and Chloe knew this.
Beca wasn't even sure if they were fighting in the first place or what they were fighting about.
Stacie's still not sure what happened back there. She found herself feeling nervous standing on Beca's doorstep.
"Yes Ms. Conrad?"
"Is there anything you want to say?" Beca added when Stacie doesn't say anything.
Stacie thought about it. She really did. There was actually a couple of things that she wanted to say but she shakes her head and ended up not saying anything. "No, Ma'am."
Beca nodded and looked at the time again. "So why are you just standing there?"
"Right. Your 2pm is here. Conference room 3?"
"Yes. Thanks. I'll be right there."
Stacie turns to walk back to her desk and she couldn't help but think. "How the hell is this the same person that Chloe Beale is dating?"
Beca just wanted to find Chloe as soon as she entered their apartment.
She starts to panic when their apartment was dark and was a little too quiet. She turned on the lights as she walked and rushed inside.
"Babe?" Beca called out. "Chlo?"
She finds Chloe in their walk in closet. Chloe was bent over barefoot with just her jeans on and a bra.
"Fuckin' hell Chlo, you freaked me out. Why didn't you turn on any lights?"
Chloe jumped a little when she felt Beca hugging her from behind.
"Hey." Beca said softly. "What are you doing? You're not leaving are you?"
Chloe turned around to face Beca just to give her a look. Beca was being ridiculous and she wasn't even going to give her a response. She dropped Beca's hands from her waist then went back to rummaging through her clothes.
"Are you going somewhere?" Beca asked again trying to peek over her shoulder. She was trying her best to hide the panic in her voice. She was looking around their closet for any signs of Chloe packing away her clothes.
"No." Chloe finally answered. "Where would I be going?"
Beca stuttered her response. "I, I don't. I don't know. That's why I was asking. I just thought. But that's good." She thought maybe Chloe was just trying to distract herself.
Beca followed Chloe stomp around the room. "Hey hey hey slow down, come here." She tries again. "Tell me what we're doing."
"I'm testing out looks for my next video and I can't find my blue pinstripe shirt."
"If you ask me, I have a few look suggestions. I mean don't get me wrong, I'm liking this look already."
"Be serious Bec."
When she turned away from Beca, Beca grabbed her by the waist and made Chloe face her again.
"Are you mad? Be honest."
Without waiting for Chloe's response, she grabs Chloe's face with both her hands and kissed Chloe hard on the lips. This is what she's been wanting to do since the disaster this morning.
Chloe could sense the slight distress Beca was in but was kissing her back just as hard.
"I'm so sorry about everything." Beca says in between their kisses. "I don't want to fight with you anymore. I hate fighting."
Beca then hugged Chloe tight. "I panicked and I know now we should've talked about it before the fuckin' meeting but I was being a wuss and I'm sorry."
"Beca babe, I am mad. But right now I need you to shh."
Beca didn't need to be told twice.
Beca and Chloe were tangled under the covers. Chloe was sprawled on top of Beca and Beca had her arms around Chloe. She was tracing random patterns on her back.
"I'm sorry again about this morning."
Chloe just hummed her response. She still wasn't too happy with Beca at the moment even after the mind-blowing sex they just had.
Chloe repositioned herself a little so that she was face to face with Beca. "When did you find out about your other host flaking?"
Beca's breath hitched as she felt Chloe's thigh press on her middle by accident. She was still a little sensitive down there and it wasn't helping that Chloe's breasts were pressed against hers. "Babe there's no way I can focus with you lying on top of me like this."
Chloe bit her lip while thinking. "You're right. This isn't gonna work." She was about to get up from bed when Beca held her in place.
"Wait." Chloe was hovering over her when Beca pulled her in to switch theirplaces. She rode on Chloe's leg and started to rock her hips slowly back and forth. By the way Chloe was looking up at her, she knew Chloe could feel her wet centre rubbing against her leg.
Beca moaned. "I'm so horny for you right now I can't fuckin' focus on anything else."
They were able to drag themselves off of bed and Beca quickly put something together.
"Need help?"
"No no stay where you are, I got this. Won't be long." It was a polite way of telling Chloe to stay out of the kitchen.
Chloe didn't mind. She loved watching Beca in the kitchen. Everyone knew about her passion for music but not a lot of people know about her passion for cooking. It was another side of Beca that was for her eyes only.
You'd think by now Beca would be used to Chloe checking her out when she was in the kitchen. She was never subtle about it.
"Like what you see?" She teased.
"Oh yeah. Always." Chloe answered.
Beca looked back down to the counter. She hated how warm her cheeks were becoming but she was going to blame it on the hot food in front of her. She grabbed both plates and walked towards the table.
"Alright dinner's served."
"Thanks babe."
They ate quietly at first. Turned out they were both famished from their afternoon activities.
"So when did you find out about the other host?" Chloe asked again while reaching for her glass of water.
Beca was staring at Chloe's every gulp as she drank. She cleared her throat before answering. "About a week ago now."
"Why didn't you just tell me? I mean it didn't have to be me replacing him. Like I said, I know other people who could've done it."
Beca was getting distracted. She couldn't look at Chloe's face long. She found every bit distracting. Chloe had to wave around her spoon to grab Beca's attention.
"Babe? Bec?"
"Sorry."
"What's going on with you?"
Beca dropped her spoon and fork and sighed. "Babe can you blame me, first you walk into my office wearing my favourite white dress shirt, then you use your professional voice on me, so hot by the way and then you walk out like a boss, I was so fuckin' turned on and confused the whole time."
"Quit exaggerating and to be fair I only meant to do one of those three things. The other two I can't help."
"Such a tease."
Beca took a deep breath and got serious. "To answer your question. I didn't ask you cause I didn't want to really involve you with work. You know how I get when it comes to these things."
Chloe understood their boundaries when it came to work most of the time but it still frustrates her that Beca doesn't ask for help when she knows Chloe can very well help.
Since Chloe was quiet, Beca was worried again. "We're not still fighting are we?"
"No. But tell me. Why did you allow Stacie to invite me then?"
"Frankly, I didn't think she could pull it off." Beca chuckled considering cause she was actually blindsided by the fact they knew each other.
"Please don't tell me you told her she'd lose her job if she didn't get me."
"No of course not."
"Liar." Chloe pointedly accused Beca.
"No I swear. I'm not that dumb. I knew you'd kill me if I did."
"But you did consider it?"
"That's not the point."
"Look Bec if you're so bothered by it then you should've said something. This doesn't affect our relationship. You didn't have to waste other people's time. I think that's what really annoyed me the most."
"I know baby, I know. I was being very unprofessional and if it's any consolation I'm not happy with myself either."
Chloe rolled her eyes. "Indulge me though. What is it that you're so worried about?"
Chloe then stands up and starts clearing the table. This was how it usually was, since Beca cooked and Chloe did the dishes.
Beca moves her seat around to face the kitchen where Chloe was. "I worry that work would somehow find a way to sabotage this. Before I met you, I already made peace with the fact that I can't be successful in both work and love."
Beca waited for Chloe's teasing to come instead Chloe turned to her with a confused look. "I still don't know what you're worried about."
"Chlo you are without a doubt the best thing that's ever happened to me. The best thing and if there's a slightest chance that this might cause a rift between us then I'm not risking it."
"Seriously babe it's one event. What's the worst that could happen?"
Beca walked to where Chloe was and just stood next to her on the sink counter.
"Well the worst is I'd be a complete psycho bitch and I lose you."
"That sounds a bit far-fetched. Even for you. You don't actually believe that, do you?"
"Believe me babe, if things like you being my girlfriend is possible, then anything is possible."
Chloe hip checked Beca. "Stop. I hate how you always say that."
"But it's true." Beca put her chin on Chloe's shoulder. Chloe leaned her head a little and felt Beca kiss her cheek.
"Would it be easier for you if we set some ground rules?"
"Oh I like the sound of that. I like rules. Let's hear 'em."
"First rule. No talk of work at home unless it's an absolute emergency."
"What constitutes an emergency?"
"If it make or breaks the event."
"Okay I accept. Second rule. No puppy-dog eyes at work."
"What puppy-dog eyes?" Chloe asked.
"See? That." Beca pointed at Chloe. "You're doing it right now."
"I don't know what you mean."
"Ugh I love you so much." Beca kissed Chloe again this time on the lips just because she can.
"I love you too. Okay. Be serious this time."
"I was being serious about that."
Chloe ignores Beca and continued. "Second rule. We stay professional and third no special treatments."
"Just three?"
"Did you have anything else you wanted to add?"
"How about four no pictures and no recording?"
"Seriously?" Chloe sounded worried.
Beca laughed. "No of course not. I'm kidding. You take pictures and record as much as you want babe."
"Great. That's settled then." Chloe was finished washing and dried her hands on the towel hanging by the counter. "Think about everything we talked about and tell me your final decision on Monday."
"Okay but just one last thing. About the DSM offer."
"I swear to god Bec, if you mention DSM one more time."
"No no, I'm being serious. Hear me out."
Chloe sighed. "Okay. One last time."
"I just wanted to say that professional Beca wouldn't mind you working with DSM, she would understand. Beca your girlfriend, on the other hand, would mind it like a lot but she's very supportive of whatever you do."
"I appreciate that but you and I both know that's a lie babe. No version of you will ever be okay with me working with DSM."
All Stacie could think about the whole weekend was how to convince Beca about getting Chloe to host their event. She just had a really good feeling about Chloe and she really felt like they were throwing away a golden opportunity.
"Ms. Mitchell can I borrow a few minutes of your time? I know you're very busy this morning. I won't be long I promise." Stacie made it a point to come to work extra early this morning to talk to Beca.
"No no, please come in. I actually wanted to talk to you too."
"Oh okay."
"Take a seat."
Stacie has now lost all of the confidence she racked up to have this conversation with her boss. She was so nervous being in Beca's office. She watched Beca type a few things on her computer and froze when her boss dropped everything and looked at her directly.
Beca makes direct eye contact with her without saying anything, which made Stacie very self-conscious.
"I wanted to say good job. I gave you a task and you did it. The last thing I wanted to do was to waste your time and your efforts in finding a host and preparing the presentations."
Stacie was already thinking of all the reasons why she thought Beca was making a big mistake in turning Chloe down.
"In saying that, I also wanted you to be the first to know that your hard work paid off. I'm saying yes to Chloe. Let marketing know they can start with the promos and make the announcement."
Stacie didn't expect any of that. That was probably the most words Beca has said to her ever since she started working for her. "Wow I don't know what to say but thank you ma'am."
"I'm assuming that was what you wanted to talk me about as well."
"Yes ma'am."
"Was there anything else you wanted to add?"
"No ma'am."
"Very well. Coordinate with legal and email Ms. Beale a copy of her contract. She's coming in at 2pm to sign them."
"Yes ma'am. Thank you again."
Beca just nods and shoos Stacie out of her office.
Chloe was on time for her appointment as per usual but to Beca's surprise she didn't come alone. Only one person would come to mind every time someone said scary blonde.
They were in conference room 1 this time, which was smaller and much cozier than the other rooms.
"Posen."
"Mitchell."
Beca actually knew Aubrey longer than she did Chloe. Aubrey is one of the best contract lawyers in the field and she represented a lot of businesses, artists and sponsors that Beca's worked with in the past. So imagine her surprise when she found out her lovely girlfriend and Posen were really good friends that Chloe actually attended her wedding.
"I can't believe you brought Aubrey Posen with you."
"Why not? She's my lawyer."
"I'm right here Mitchell."
Beca flashed Aubrey a fake smile that almost looked like a grimace to which Aubrey returned with a definite grimace look on her face.
"So I heard you proposed several changes here and there."
They discuss the changes for about an hour. Most of them reasonable and some issues pressed more than others. Beca may not like Aubrey very much but she liked how she represented Chloe and really fought for her best interests. When they eventually finalized the contract where both parties were happy Chloe signed every page after Beca.
When that was done, Beca rose from her seat and offered her hand to Chloe. "Glad to officially have you on board Ms. Beale."
Chloe confirmed in all her socials that she was indeed the host of Bella Corp's annual Christmas event. She also decided to record a quick video to post.
"PSA TO ALL DUCKS: Yes. It's true. I am excited to announce that I will be hosting Bella Corp's annual Christmas concert this year. I hope to see you all there. Tickets are still available on the link below. I can't wait!"
"Before anything else, especially for those of you that don't know yet. The Christmas concert is happening in less than three weeks so in anticipation to that, I asked someone from Bella Corp to sit down and do a video with me. Are you ready? Drum roll please. We are having the one and only Beca Mitchell herself. Like most of you I look forward to getting to know the incredible woman behind Bella Corp. Let me know in the comments below what you want us to do or what questions you want me to ask her. Catch you next time my ducks. Lots of love."
Beca was watching Chloe's latest video. They were in their living room and Chloe was on her laptop. Chloe was a one-man show and she takes pride in being 'reachable'.
"Babe are you sure this is a good idea?"
Chloe stopped typing. "What is?"
"Having me at your channel."
"Oh totes." Chloe then resumed typing away at her laptop. "We are going to start recording tomorrow. We need this video up ASAP."
"What? Wait. Where's my script?"
"What script? There are no scripts, babe."
"But what if I mess up or something or grab your hand? It'll give everything away. How would I know what to say?"
"It'll be fine. You'll have me. Just be your professional self and besides it's not live. It's okay to make mistakes."
"But I don't know. I don't want to ruin your video."
"Nonsense. It'll be fun. I'm sure you'll do great. They'll love you."
"Chlo babe, I'm not sure if you know this but I'm not a very likeable person."
It was no use. Chloe wasn't convinced and it wasn't like Beca could say no to her.
Two weeks before the said event, Chloe scheduled to have Beca guest on her youtube channel, not as her girlfriend but as President of Bella Corp.
She was in the living room fixing up their "set" when Beca arrived. She double-checked the cameras, the lights and all their batteries. Beca joined her not long after.
"You ready Bec?"
Beca was sitting awkwardly on the other end of the couch. "Just like that? We just start recording?"
"Yup. I usually leave it recording and keep going. Then I fix everything in the editing."
"Okay. Are you really sure about this? We have time to make a script. I can even help you. Please? I really don't have any clue as to what I'm doing or what to say."
Chloe was already reaching for the camera to press record. "I'm sure. Trust me we won't need a script. You'll get the hang of it in an instant."
"Babe I know I've seen you do this a hundred times but I honestly don't know how you do it and I don't think I can do what you do."
"Relax. I promise you'll be fine, just follow my lead. It's just you and me. If you get lost, just focus on me. I won't leave you. Literally I'll be here."
Beca took a deep breath. "Okay. One last kiss for good luck?"
Chloe rolled her eyes but granted her request. She licked her lips and kissed Beca on the lips three times. "Better?"
"Much. Let's do this thingy."
"Great." Chloe reached for the camera again to press record. "Oh here." She handed Beca a wireless microphone. "Alright Bec, 3 2 1."
Beca alternated looking at Chloe, the red light on the camera and her microphone.
"Hi everyone." Chloe started. "As promised, I am joined here today for the first time ever by the one and only, the elusive Ms. Beca Mitchell."
"Elusive – I like that." Beca was sitting on the other end of the couch. "Hi everybody. I'm Beca." She waved to the camera before looking back at Chloe.
"Thanks for being here."
"No no it's my pleasure." She said again into her wireless microphone, which Chloe handed to her just before they started. "Does this actually do anything? Why don't you have one?"
"Not really. It's to keep your hands busy. I already have my phone and cue cards to hold on to. But feel free to keep talking into it." Chloe winked at her.
Beca appreciated Chloe's thoughtfulness. She was doing everything she can to make sure Beca was comfortable.
"Cool thanks." Beca was so scared of having dead air with Chloe during this recording or not having anything to say. She didn't want to disappoint Chloe. But every time she'd look at Chloe she became less and less scared and more confident.
"For those of you who don't know, Beca is the president of Bella Corp and one of the things they do all year round is organise concerts and festivals. The next big event is in two weeks, the annual Christmas Concert and I'm telling you now, you don't want to miss that."
Chloe looks to Beca to add more information about the concert.
"Yes, so tickets are still available on our website, you can get the day pass or the night pass depending on who you want to see, or the VIP tickets where you are allowed access to the grounds all day."
Chloe was nodding her head and smiling at her. "You're doing great." She mouthed.
Beca continued. "We have Billie Eilish and Anne-Marie headlining the day and Taylor Swift and Dua Lipa headlining the night. And of course the lovely Chloe Beale right here to host the whole thing. So you get that too."
"And the live stream?" Chloe reminds Beca gently.
"Ah yes, for those of you who can't come out or secure tickets, we will be streaming the whole event live on our website. So see you all there one way or another."
Chloe was beaming with pride. She was so proud of Beca.
"Also watch out for exclusive content from yours truly as I was given the green light to have one on one interviews with the artists. I will post who I will get to interview and like always let me know what you want me to ask them but don't think about that too much yet. For now, we have Beca right here to answer your questions." Chloe finally finished with their introductions.
"Their questions? So you had nothing to do with them?" Beca surprised herself at how quickly she's become comfortable in front of the camera all thanks to Chloe.
"Absolutely not. So be nice and remember don't shoot the messenger."
Beca laughs at this comment. That's what she loved about Chloe. She could always keep up with Beca's antics. They complement each other so well. Chloe just gets her.
"So to start off we want to know why you said yes to guesting on my channel when everyone knows that you don't like giving interviews?"
"Hence elusive yes. That's easy. Think of it as me returning the favour for agreeing to be our host."
"Why don't you like giving interviews in the first place? I bet you're actually really good at them."
"I get that a lot, it probably from all this over flowing charm and charisma." The words were out before Beca could think about them. It was addicting how Chloe was looking at her. It made her feel good. "No I don't know I guess I just don't like them cause I hate attention."
This got Chloe giggling but she was rolling her eyes. She was right. Beca was a natural.
"Most of us know that before you were Bella Corp, you started out as a junior intern."
"Yes. I was a level or two below the interns like literally the bottom of the food chain."
"So what did it for you? What was your big break?"
"I always say I got lucky. I was in the right place in the right time."
"Come on be more specific. Tell us."
She was picking up on Chloe's subtle encouragements. She wanted to reach for Chloe's hand several times since they started and if it wasn't for the microphone she was holding she would have already.
"So basically while I was a junior intern, I was in a meeting not because I was required to be there but because my boss at that time wanted me next to him in case he needed anything, like a file or a coffee and then in one particular meeting he was asking everyone for suggestions and no one had any, then he was about to go on a rant about it when I just blurted out my idea and he liked it." Beca paused looking at Chloe. Chloe was nodding her head encouraging her to keep going.
"Please let me know if I'm talking too much. I don't usually."
"No no you're alright. That's what we want. All I do here is talk and talk and talk. It's actually nice to have someone else doing that for me." Chloe looked straight to the camera and winked. "For a change."
"You're so weird." Beca would say in a hushed tone.
"Thanks I know. So your boss liked your idea. What happened after?"
"Right so yeah, after that he would always ask me what I think and really considered my ideas. For a long time I thought the lesson had always been make the most of someone else's fuck ups cause it's an opportunity like its an opening for the rest of us."
"Which is one way of putting it I guess."
"Wait, I am allowed to curse right or are you just going to bleep me out? Is that more work for you?"
"It's okay Beca. You can curse, say it however you want to say it."
"Okay I just wanted to make sure. I didn't want you to get into trouble or anything."
"Keep going. It's okay. Don't worry about it."
"Okay." Beca was trying to remember where she left off. "Yeah. So I was always ready to pounce you know. But then I realised no we shouldn't be waiting for people to fuck up. Instead we should empower everyone to speak up. So when I started Bella Corp, it was with a few close friends, I wanted to make sure everyone was going to be heard."
"That's very diplomatic of you. How did that work out? Well first of all, did it work?"
"Don't get me wrong, it wasn't smooth sailing all the time. The downside of that is that there are a lot of dumb ideas, like a lot. I can't even begin."
"I think it's still good practice. I mean you know those things where it sounded really good in your head but once you say them out loud you realise how wrong you were." Chloe said and laughs for some reason.
"Yes exactly. I always liked to have someone to bounce my ideas around with and it's really productive, sometimes frustrating but fun." Chloe was still laughing to herself and Beca still wasn't in on the joke. "What what's so funny?"
"Sorry I just I don't know I randomly thought of cards against humanity cause I'm so bad at that game. I don't understand why it's so much more funnier in my head. It's embarrassing."
Beca then starts to laugh along. "Sometimes they are funny though." Beca tried to reassure her.
"Oh thanks, I really feel good about my cards against humanity game now."
They laughed a little bit more until Chloe cleared her throat. "Sorry we got sidetracked. Back to regular programming."
"Yeah bring it, next question."
"Would you want to work for yourself?" Beca was quite confused so Chloe clarified. "Like would you apply for a job to work with or for Beca Mitchell?"
"I see. No. Haven't you heard? That woman is out of her mind. I wouldn't want to work for her."
Before Chloe could say anything, Beca added. "Although I must admit I think I'd like to take on that challenge. Being in this industry I think hardened me. It's tough and if you can't handle that then maybe this isn't for you."
"And you think working for Beca Mitchell is a good gauge?"
"Oh definitely. She's a tough one I heard."
"I think that a good segue to the next question, why are you such a bitch then?" Chloe said with a straight face.
"Excuse me?"
"It's a legitimate question, see?" Turning her cue cards for Beca to see. "My ducks want to know why you're such a bitch at work."
"I beg to differ. Not smiling and cursing a lot does not automatically mean I'm a bitch and vice versa. Like this one here." She points at Chloe with her thumb and looks at the camera. "How sure are y'all that Chloe's not a bitch? Just cause she's literal sunshine sometimes does not automatically mean she is not a bitch. She could be the meanest nastiest person ever to walk this earth, who knows?"
Chloe looks at the camera with her most innocent look with a pout and shrugged. "She has a point. Who knows? I mean between the two of us right now, I bet it's hard to tell who's who."
"Yeah don't be fooled by this one." Beca kept going with the whole act until Chloe turned to her and when their eyes locked her breath hitched. Chloe was too adorable. She took a deep breath trying to focus on what they were doing. She then playfully hits Chloe with her pretend microphone. "Go away puppy dog eyes. Next question you weirdo." Beca forces herself to look at anywhere but Chloe.
Chloe looks at her notes quickly. "How do you feel about being known to be a notorious boss or an intimidating boss?" Chloe was watching Beca's reaction closely. "I mean you are aware of that aren't you?"
"I don't mind it."
"Do you feel bad when you're let's say not so nice at work?"
Beca laughs at that. "Of course! I'm not a monster. It's just how it is."
"So you don't mind being known as notorious?"
"Well I prefer that more than being known as meek or unqualified or incompetent."
Chloe nods. "Fair."
Beca felt like she needed to explain herself. "I want to be in an environment where we have each other's backs. I think that's why even the smallest fuckups for me are unacceptable because it tells me you don't care and if you don't care it means you won't have my back. How am I supposed to rely on someone who just doesn't care?"
"Just to be devil's advocate here. I always try to give people the benefit of the doubt."
"Of course you would." Beca cut in.
"So for me." Chloe totally ignoring Beca continued. "Before I totally lose my cool over something, I try to get to the bottom of things first and really get to know where and how it went wrong."
"I am working on being more patient." Beca gives Chloe a knowing look. "It's going and I know I still have a long way to go. That much I can admit."
"Oh here's a good one. Is working in an industry where men in suits usually call the shots added to your whole work persona thing you got going on?"
"They really asked that? Work persona thing?"
"Where else could it come from Beca? Just answer it. I mean I guess let's start with how did you handle that sort of pressure I guess, or as a woman, was it harder to earn their respect? We want to know how you shook up the industry."
"I never really noticed it when I was an intern or junior intern. I think mainly really it was all about the people you knew. So luckily for me, believe it or not, I made the right connections I guess and learned from extremely talented people willing to pass on their greatness."
"Now not a lot of people know this but you actually started as a back up singer slash dancer for Kesha. We even have a clip of it."
Beca lost all her composure and got out of character. "Oh you bitch." She even grabbed one of the throw pillows and hit Chloe with it.
"What?"
"I can't believe you're showing that."
"What? It's not a secret, Bec. I found the video on the Internet, in a public domain, I can do anything I want with it."
Beca gasped. "I told you that in confidence! You know how I feel about that time of my life."
"Fine fine. I won't show it but I did put the link in the description box below. So you ducks can check it out in your own time."
Beca only realised they were still filming when Chloe talked to the camera again. "We're still rolling? I can't believe we're still doing this. You can't expect me to keep going after that."
"Come on don't be a spoilsport."
"Promise me you'll edit this out."
"I will I will. Sheesh."
"Okay. Now just give me a sec." Beca closed her eyes and took a couple of deep breaths.
Chloe just watches her and tries not to laugh while glancing to the camera a few times.
When Beca opened her eyes again, Chloe asked. "Okay you ready for the next question."
"Yes."
"You seem like you got it all figured out. For those of us still trying to navigate through our careers and going after our dreams, now that you've reached yours, what else do you aspire to achieve? In life in general not just in your career."
Beca stops to think about it. But she had a smile on her face. "First of all I don't have it all figured out and I may be living the 'dream' as you say but it wasn't always like that. And it's not like everyday I just walk into work and everything falls into my lap, how I wish. It really takes hard work, and some days you just gotta grind it out. I'm lucky with the people that I have in my life. They continue to keep me grounded."
Beca paused to look at Chloe and they shared another loving look not caring about the camera recording. Without breaking eye contact, Chloe asked her next question.
"Is there anything you aspire to achieve in your career or in life?"
"Well in life, maybe a family someday." Beca was surprised by her own honesty. Chloe almost melted in her seat. "And career wise I would love it if our Christmas concert is a success. It's on December 18th, book your tickets now." Beca pointed to the camera.
"Yes. Links below." Chloe added. "If this career path didn't work out for you, what would you be doing?"
That's when Beca looked away from the camera and Chloe and leaned back a little to think. "Man that's hard. I honestly don't know. I mean I really feel like most days I don't deserve this, but at the same time I just know I'll never give this up. I don't care if I don't deserve it or if this life was meant for someone else. I'm gonna do everything I can to make it work cause this career gave me so much more than I could have asked for."
"Like what?" Chloe asked.
"The love of my life." Beca answered without missing a beat. "Music." She then said with a follow up looking directly at the camera again and wiggled her eyebrows.
Chloe hasn't stopped looking at Beca. "Are you happy?" This is the only question that didn't actually come from her ducks.
Beca was still being playful to the camera, obviously being very comfortable by now. So she wasn't ready when she met Chloe's gaze again and for the second time during the interview, her breath hitched. "What was that?"
Chloe shrugged. "Are you happy?"
It was the slow nod that came first for Beca then a slow smile that crept in. "I am. Very much."
"Good." Chloe looked back to the camera and was about to ask her next question, when Beca asked the same thing back.
"What about you?"
"Hm?" Chloe looked to Beca again and mirrored her loving expression.
Beca was all of a sudden shy and she was unsure why. She even felt herself blushing. "Are you, you know, happy?"
They were smiling at each other. Beca cleared her throat when she remembered where they were and what they were doing.
"Yeah I mean I get to do this for a living." Chloe finally answered. "I get to meet new people and work with people like you. I get to talk to all of them." Chloe says facing the camera again.
They didn't even notice that they were sitting closer to each other compared to when the interview started. There was an only an inch or two of a gap separating their knees and shoulders. The head of the microphone Beca was holding was resting on Chloe's lap from time to time.
"And how is it working with us at Bella Corp?"
Chloe smirked with a raised brow.
"What?" Beca asked. "I'm sure they'd also want to know that." She said pointing to the camera.
"Well I guess you're all going to have to wait for my future videos where I talk about my whole experience."
"But it's been good right?"
"Yes Beca. It's been good. Don't worry I'm going to say more good things than bad about Bella Corp."
"Bad? Like what bad things? Is someone going to get fired?"
"No, oh my god. I'm joking."
They were laughing when Beca stopped and added. "That's good cause I wasn't joking."
Chloe could only shake her head. "Alright now where were we? Right. You're so annoying." This was an honest slip up on Chloe's part but she couldn't take it back anymore.
Beca was just patiently waiting for Chloe's next question.
"Okay, last question. I think it's pretty obvious by now but we still want to hear you say it. Are you secretly a duck? And is that the real reason you said yes to this?"
Beca laughed out loud. She wasn't expecting that question. When she was able to compose herself again, she tried her best to keep a straight face. "Oh yeah, obviously and it's not a secret. I subscribed, liked and turned on my notifications and all that shit. Not even ashamed to say it."
"Oh yeah, since when?"
Beca looks at Chloe as if unsure how to answer without giving too much away.
"You know since uhm, when you uh." Beca started stuttering. "Since that you know." Beca was pleading for Chloe to help her save this.
"No I don't know."
Beca was giving Chloe a look as if asking for permission and Chloe was waiting for her answer.
Beca sighed. "Fine. For everyone's information, I met Chloe briefly maybe three years ago now when we invited YouTubers to one of our festivals."
Chloe was nodding. "That's correct. I remember that."
"So I won't say when exactly I became a fan, but I will say that I was already a fan of yours before we actually met."
"It's funny you say that cause me too."
"What? Really?" Beca was genuinely surprised.
"No I'm sorry. That was mean. I was stuck in my own world at that time and I didn't really know much of anything outside of making videos and talking to a camera."
Beca looking directly at the camera again said. "See what I mean? Don't be fooled by all that." She mouthed 'bitch' while pointing to Chloe.
Chloe playfully slapped away Beca's finger. "There you have it. Beca Mitchell is one of you guys. She's a certified duck. Come back?"
"Yes of course. I'd love to be back."
Chloe was about to say her ending spiel but Beca couldn't help it. It was too good a moment to pass. "But I'm not just any duck like the rest of you. I'm the lucky duck." She winked and reached to cover the camera lens with her palm and stopped the recording.
Chloe could be seen in the background with her jaw dropped looking at Beca before everything went black. Beca then leaned back on the couch and put her arm over Chloe's shoulder.
"How was that babe?" Beca was proud of herself. She's never done something like that before and she really enjoyed doing this with Chloe. "That was actually so much fun and the thrill oh my god."
Chloe was still trying to recover from the bomb Beca just dropped to the world. "Babe did you just?"
"What? Oh the lucky duck comment yeah."
"You know there's no turning back from that."
Beca shrugged. "Meh. Good thing we weren't live then, right? Do what you want with it, I won't mind if you decide not to include it in the final edit. I just couldn't resist. It was too good not to say."
"Well you see babe that's the thing. We were actually live."
"What? This whole time?"
Chloe bit her lip. "Yeah. I wanted it to be authentic."
"Are you crazy? What if I kissed you or something?"
"Well you didn't."
"I was definitely thinking about it though."
"I know I could see it in your face."
"But oh my god." It was sinking in to Beca that they were live and the gravity of what she had just done. "Oh my god. I just outed us. Are you okay with all of this? Are you mad? I'm so sorry."
"No I mean you didn't know, I didn't tell you we were live and I should've told you. I should be the one apologizing to you."
"What? No don't be." Beca said. "Babe I don't care. I mean it's not that bad to be linked to you."
"I guess that's the big reveal then."
"It's you who I'm worried about actually. You're the one who's now associated with a cold hearted monster like me."
"Oh shush. Stop saying that, we both know you're not so heartless like you always claim. But be honest though. Look at me." Beca did what she was told. "Are you okay? With all of this? It changes everything."
"Are you?"
"I asked you first."
"Do you still love me?" Beca asked back.
"Yes."
"And are you still my girlfriend?"
Chloe was confused where Beca was going with this but she answers again. "Yes."
"Then why would I not be okay with all this?"
They remained cuddling on the couch and Chloe was going through the comments section. Her socials were blowing up. People were freaking out. They were mostly positive comments. There was also a lot of speculation whether Beca meant what she actually meant. Chloe was just scrolling through them and reading them out loud to Beca from time to time.
"I think they're taking it well." Chloe concluded.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah and check this one out. This guy says we fooled them. He claims that you're not the lucky duck, you're a love sick puppy."