Notes: I hope you all had a good week. Here's some light reading for ya.

Summary: Now we welcome Luke. Beca will finally "meet" Chloe in this one too.

CHAPTER 3: Introductions

Chloe's usual routine when it came to wedding shoots was to go on a couple of walkthroughs to visualize where everything would be and how she would want the photos to be taken.

She takes note of the angles and the backgrounds. She keeps note of how the lighting will vary at different times of the day.

She arrived at the venue hours before the event. It helped that her clients offered her to stay at a nearby hotel where most of the other guests were staying.

Chloe parked her pick up at the driveway at a spot designated for her. She eyed the familiar van that parked behind hers at the rearview mirror. It was Jerry, her assistant for the day, with his team.

Chloe has worked with Jerry several times in all sorts of events. He was lovely to work with. She got out the car and went straight to Jerry to greet him.

"Thanks again for saying yes despite the short notice. How was the drive? Not too bad?"

"It was good and of course I look forward to be of assistance to you today. I always like working with you and it's been awhile since you last called us. What have you been up to?"

"Yeah I've been away. This is my first gig back. It's good to see you too."

The sliding doors opened and a good-looking guy with blonde hair wearing aviators stepped out with a smile on his face already.

"That's funny. I don't remember hiring you to help me out today." Chloe teased him.

"Yeah cause you didn't. Jerry here did. But are you happy to see me or what?" He lifted his sunnies to rest on top of his head and went over to hug Chloe.

Chloe still can't believe he's actually here but she did hug him back. When they pulled away, Chloe was all business again. "But seriously Luke. What are you doing here?"

"I'm your assistant's personal assistant today. Anything you and Jerry need. I'm your guy. Lights, equipment, first aid you name it."

"No that's Jerry's job."

"Well today it's mine too."

Jerry started laughing. "I'm sorry Chloe. But I can't say no to volunteers. I'll leave you two for a bit."

Chloe and Luke smiled at Jerry as he made his way to the back of the van to unload.

"Do you even know what you're doing?" Chloe asked when they were sort of alone.

Luke scoffed. "Seriously, how hard could it be? I just have to follow you around all day. I'm a doctor you know. I'm very capable."

"I can't believe she allowed this. I don't need a babysitter."

"What? Do you think this is fun for me? Do you think I want to be bossed around by you all day?"

Chloe raised an eyebrow at him. "Actually I do."

Luke laughed and playfully hit Chloe on the shoulder. "You're right I do." Then he leaves her to follow Jerry and help where he can.

Chloe shakes her head and goes back to her own car to pick up her equipment.

Beca sees Chloe first. She also arrived early at the venue running around to make sure everything was in order. She had a checklist in her head and she was mentally ticking things off as she went through her morning. Beca was on her way out to the driveway to meet the bridesmaids when she sees the redhead that she couldn't stop thinking about.

She stopped in her tracks and just watches her. She was talking to two other guys and they were laughing or something. She wasn't sure what was happening or why the redhead was here.

She watched her until she and the guys were walking to enter the house. That's when she panicked and ran to the nearest corner she could find.

Beca knew she was being ridiculous. She should be laughing at herself for how she's acting but she couldn't find anything funny about the situation she's in. She takes deep breaths and calm herself before slowly trying to take a peek.

"Who are we hiding from?"

Beca jumped when she heard someone beside her. "Oh my god Mrs. S! Don't sneak up on me like that."

"I'm sorry. I saw you run to this corner and I couldn't help it. So what's going on?"

"Nothing. I wasn't hiding from anyone specific. I just needed a breather." Beca lied through her teeth.

Beth didn't look convinced but she didn't press. Instead, she gave her an encouraging smile. "You're doing fine and you've been great. Don't be so hard on yourself."

Beth then looks over Beca's shoulder and gets excited. "Oh Beca dear. There's someone I want you to meet."

Beca dreaded turning around it could only be one person. She didn't really want to meet her like this. When she was about to, her phone then started to ring.

"Oh. Sorry Mrs. S. Duty calls. I'll see you later though." Beca says as she starts to walk away.

Beca doesn't know it but it was actually Chloe who saw her first. Chloe got in pretty late last night and she couldn't sleep right away. She looks around her room and finds herself out on the balcony leaning against the railing.

The silence tells her everyone else has probably gone to bed. She could almost hear the crickets chirping. Chloe closed her eyes and took it all in. She yearned for the peace and quiet, the calmness amidst the chaos that was life.

She's about to call it a night and try to get some sleep when she hears someone approach. Chloe doesn't move as she waits for the stranger to appear. She didn't feel threatened, She was mostly curious.

Not more than a minute later with Chloe frozen in her spot in the shadows of her balcony, she was so glad she stayed. She bit her lip when she saw who the stranger was.

Beca couldn't sleep the night before her best friends' wedding. She was anxious about her maid of honour speech. She has procrastinated too much and left it too long. To be fair she did have a speech prepared in her head already. Now all she had to do was write it down.

She couldn't find pen and paper so she resorted to typing on her phone. She felt like her room was closing in on her so she decides a walk would do her good. She grabbed a light jacket, her room key and her phone and decided to go to the pool area.

It was quiet and completely empty just as she hoped. "Okay perfect perfect perfect. This is perfect." She was going to sit in one of the chairs at the side of the pool but she knew she couldn't keep still.

Beca then started pacing around the pool but kept her distance cause knowing her, accidentally falling into the pool was not unlikely.

She clears her throat and starts to type up her speech while dictating it.

Beca starts. "I have known Jess for so long now that I don't even remember when and how we met." She chuckled to herself.

"No I literally don't remember cause we met while we were still in our diapers. I've known her my whole life. The only time I didn't have Jess in my life was in high school and that was a shitty shitty time. Let's not get into that."

"Jess and her family has been one of the constants in my life. I don't know what I'd do without her in my life anymore. If Ashley hadn't come along I think I would've married Jess." She chuckled to herself again and shook her head. "I also wish I was joking."

"But seriously though it's always been the two of us against the world. That was until Ash came along and I have never been more wrong in my entire life."

Beca was getting teary eyed. She knew she was going to get emotional, it was one of the reasons she's delayed preparing this speech. She had to stop for a moment.

Beca continued. "With Ash now in the picture, it's now the three of us against the world. I now have one more person I trust my life with. Normally I would be annoyed at how happy they are, like they're disgustingly happy but I'm genuinely happy for them. Everyone wants to have what they have, even me believe it or not."

Beca stops again and rereads what she typed on her phone. Then she quietly taps on her phone. "God that's so cheesy."

Chloe hasn't moved and just listened to Beca. She felt she was invading her privacy and it felt wrong to eavesdrop. She looked on as Beca sat by the pool and hasn't looked up from her phone.

She sensed Beca about to look up so she started to back away slowly. Chloe didn't really understand why she was reluctant to leave.

As if on cue, Beca looked up to the balconies. She sighed. She wanted to sleep but she was too anxious. She was really jealous of everyone who's gone off to bed while here she was stressing about her speech.

"Lucky bastards." She grumbled to herself.

Chloe was brought back when she heard the applause and whistles. The same day edit she did was just shown on the screen. She was standing somewhere in the sidelines at the back. While everyone's eyes were at the newly weds. Beth, Jessica and Ashley were all smiling at her and they all blew kisses her way.

Luke playfully nudged her on the shoulder. "I gotta admit. That was actually really beautiful." He said as he wiped a lone tear.

"What can I say? You're the only one who's doubted my skills."

"Hey I've never."

Chloe mouthed 'you're welcome' to the newlyweds and lifted her camera to take a few more pictures. She looked around and spotted Beca looking at her too through her camera. She snapped a quick photo and lowered the camera to meet Beca's gaze.

Towards the end of the reception where everyone was just drinking and dancing and celebrating, Beca sees Chloe in a familiar spot, sitting alone by the bar. She's been watching Chloe the whole day. There were a few times when Chloe caught her staring and they would smile at each other. When she saw her alone at the bar, she finally got the courage to talk to her.

Chloe was facing the bartender when Beca approached her.

"Drinking on the job I see."

Chloe just shakes her head when she heard her. She's seen Beca coming from a mile away. She was surprised it took her this long to talk to her.

"You miss, are one hard lady to find."

Chloe just looks at her with a raised brow and doesn't actually give a proper response yet.

"So you're a photographer." Beca's really trying.

Chloe thought she should end Beca's misery. "Beca right?"

"Yeah." Beca was actually happy to hear she remembered. "Which reminds me, I still don't know your name. You know I can easily ask Jess for it so why not you just tell me now."

Chloe glances at her quickly before going back to her drink. She swirls it around before downing it. "Do you really not know yet? I find that very hard to believe."

"I honestly don't. I swear."

Chloe was about to say something to Beca but she saw her look over her shoulder, which makes her turn around and see Beth was on their way to them.

"Chloe. I'm so glad I'm able to see you before you leave. Thank you again so much for agreeing to do this." Beth then goes straight to Chloe and gives her a big hug. "You have no idea how much we appreciate it. Everyone loves you."

"It was my pleasure. I had a lovely time."

"The same day edit was beautiful. I can't wait too see your pictures."

"Thank you. Just doing my job. I'll send Jessica and Ashley digital copies then they can pick out the ones they want me to print and then it should be ready in two days tops."

"We can't wait." Then she notices Beca. "Oh Beca dear I didn't see you there. You've met Chloe right?"

"Of course. It's so good to see you again Chloe."

Chloe just nods. "You too. Well I better get going."

Beth then reached for Chloe's arm. "Nonsense. You can stay for as long as you want. I insist."

"Yeah. Please stay. We insist." Beca added.

"It's okay. You're too kind. I wish I could but I have prior commitments I have to attend to. Thank you again. I really enjoyed this too." Chloe mostly kept eye contact with Beth.

"Until the next event then my dear. I've been raving about you and everyone's been asking about you too. I've said all good things."

"I really appreciate that. You're so sweet. Thanks again Beth. Send my regards to the newly weds?"

"Of course. Til our next event?"

"I'm looking forward to it already. You know where to find me. Just let me know the when and where and I'll be there." Chloe curtly nods at them. "Enjoy the rest of your night."

Beca could only watch Chloe walk away. Beth caught on Beca's not so subtle attraction to the photographer. She gives her a little nudge. "Go on. It looks like you have more to say to her."

Beca rolls her eyes but chases after Chloe. "I'll be right back."

"Hey." She tries to walk her fastest in her heels.

"Hey Chloe. Wait up." She calls to her again.

She hears Beca but Chloe doesn't stop nor does she walk faster. She just maintains her pace towards her car. She reached for the handle and opened the door only for Beca to slam it back shut.

"Wait."

Chloe just looks at an out of breath Beca. She doesn't say anything to her as she waits.

"Where are you going?"

Chloe laughed. "You seriously ran after me to ask that?"

"You really can't stay? Is it because of me?"

"It's not you, silly. I really do have work."

"Well what time do you finish?" Beca really wanted to spend more time with Chloe.

"Why do you ask?"

"I ran after you to ask you something else. Isn't it obvious?"

"Not really, no." Chloe said but she had a smile on her face.

"Okay. I don't want to sound like a creep or be like a stalker or something."

"I'm not judging you."

Beca rolled her eyes. "I just. I thought I'd never see you again, you know? I was starting to think you weren't real. Surely it's not just me that felt the connection. I don't know. There's something here. Maybe?"

Beca was hopeful. She was waiting for a response from her and Chloe just shrugged. "What do you want me to say?"

"I don't know. Anything I guess. I'm sorry. I don't know why I'm being weird about this. I'm not usually like this I promise. I'm not at all like this. And I'm not saying I'm in love with you or anything."

Chloe laughed because she was enjoying Beca's ramblings. "It's called a one night stand for a reason Bec. And of course I don't think you're in love with me, you don't know me." Chloe didn't intend for the nickname to slip. She didn't even know where that came from.

Beca would've backed off if it weren't for Chloe's playful tone. She crosses her arms and tilts her head. "That's the thing. I want to get to know you."

Chloe copied Beca. She crossed her arms and tilts her head right back at her. She knew she had to keep her distance from her but Beca's making it really hard for her to do that.

"I mean I may or may not like who I get to know but I won't know that until I do get to know you, you know?" Beca had to stop herself. "Fuck I said know too many times, didn't I?"

Chloe genuinely found that adorable and funny and couldn't contain her laugh. "I forgot how funny you were."

Beca raised her brow at Chloe. "So who are you, Chloe?"

Now Chloe's the one smirking. "Haven't you heard? I'm the photographer."

They were sharing some light banter until Chloe's phone started ringing. "I'm now a very late photographer. I really do have to go."

Beca opens the door for her. "It's really good to see you again."

Chloe just smiled back at Beca but didn't say anything more. Beca stepped back as she shut her car door and Chloe began to slowly drive away.

"Chloe." Beca said again as she chuckled to herself. "I finally found you."

Beca would never admit she spent most of her weekend thinking about Chloe. It's like she was a girl obsessed. Aside from her shop and her website, she couldn't really find much about her. The moment she walked in the office, Jessica cornered her. "So. Spill. I had to hear about it from my mom?!"

Beca was blushing already. She ignored Jessica and went straight to her desk. "Well you were kinda busy getting married."

"Our wedding photographer? How? When did this happen?"

"Shut up. There's nothing to spill."

"Nothing to spill? I can't believe you. But I gotta say Becs." Jessica whistled at her.

"Dude, you literally just got married."

"So how do you know her?"

Beca was still blushing. "Remember when we went out."

That was all the information Jessica needed. "Oh my god! Was that her? I didn't see her face clearly."

"So you were that drunk that night?"

Jessica rolled her eyes at her, which was not common. "So when are you seeing her again?"

"I don't know. I mean, I've checked her out online and god your mom gave me her card too for Christ's sake. So I kinda have her number already. But, like, I don't want to just send her a text or something or walk up to her shop like a total loser."

Jessica had that look on her face. Beca wasn't quite sure if she was teasing, so she asked. "What? What is it? Come on just let it out."

Jessica still had that smug look on her face. "Well what if you had a reason?"

"What do you mean exactly?"

"Our wedding photos should be ready in a day or two. I think your last duty as my maid of honour is to go and pick them up in person." Jessica said with a wink.

Beca's not a grinner but damn she couldn't stop beaming at her partner.

"When?"

"Patience my friend."

The day finally came when Jessica received a text from Chloe saying that the photos were ready. It was a Saturday morning and Jessica forwarded the text to Beca.

Beca was rushing to get to the photos but as soon as she was outside Chloe's shop, she was a bit reluctant to walk in. She's been looking forward to seeing her again but she was unsure of herself all of a sudden.

She looked around the street. It was a familiar street, she's definitely drove past and walked past this street several times. Beca's not sure how long she's been standing there but she thought it was worse to be caught standing outside so she pushed herself to walk in.

She hears the chimes as she pushed the door but doesn't see Chloe or anyone in the shop. She does hear, who she assumes to be Chloe, singing from the back. She rings the bell on the counter and the singing stopped.

"I'll be right there." Chloe calls out. Then Beca smiles as she hears Chloe go back to her singing. It didn't matter that she wasn't familiar with the song.

Beca walked back from the counter and took a seat. She was looking around the shop. There were equipment for sale and pictures on the walls and on display. With Chloe singing and humming in the background, the whole atmosphere was making Beca feel at home.

Everything was perfect until she hears the door open and Beca sees a man walk in but he doesn't even look her way. He went straight to the back office as if he worked there.

He probably did but Beca felt that there was something off about the whole thing. She listens closely as it suddenly became quiet. She realised Chloe's stopped singing. Beca slowly stands up from her seat and walked to the door where the guy entered.

It looked like an office of some sort. Beca stood by the doorway and she saw the man with his back turned to her facing Chloe. She could sense he was frustrated about something and could hear him a little but couldn't make out the words. Chloe looked unfazed. She didn't look scared or intimidated and seemed to be more focus on whatever it was she was doing.

"I really really need you to do this for me." Beca heard the man say. He sounded desperate.

Chloe just sighed looked up at him. "I can't help you."

Beca could see the man tense up and was probably trying to control himself and she clears her throat. "Is everything okay in here?"

"Stay out of this." The man said without turning to look at her.

"Chloe?" Beca waits for Chloe to look at her. "Is everything okay?" She asked when Chloe does.

Chloe smiles at Beca and giver her a slight nod. "Everything's fine. Just wait for me at the front." Chloe said but Beca doesn't move.

"Look." The man said to Chloe again. "All we're asking is for you to consider it."

"My calendar's full. I can refer you to other photographers in the area, who may even charge a bit cheaper than I do but can do the shoot."

"We don't want anyone else and you know we don't care about the money. We want you to do it." He was careful with his words knowing that there was another person so he adds. "This is once in a lifetime."

Chloe had to laugh at that. "Actually no. You can get married as many times as you want. Now how about you book me in on the next one?"

"She makes jokes too everyone." The man said aloud to no one in particular.

Beca felt the need to say something. She couldn't just stand there. "She's not wrong you know, you can get married more than once."

"See? It's very common" Chloe adds.

The man continues to ignore Beca and turns to Chloe again. "Just say you'll reconsider and then I'll leave."

"It's a no big guy. I'm sorry. I wish I could be in two places at once. But I just have a destination wedding that same weekend and I physically can't do it."

He sighed and he was quiet for a bit then had a light bulb moment. "So not that weekend?"

Chloe shakes her head quickly and the guy got the message. "Okay. I understand. Sorry for barging in here like this."

"Call next time maybe."

"We both know you won't pick up. I'll be going now. Sorry again."

The guy walked out and left Beca and Chloe. Beca eyes him the whole time but he doesn't even acknowledge her.

"Don't worry about him. Just a disgruntled client." Chloe tries to assure Beca.

"God what was that about? Are you okay?"

"Yeah I'm fine, don't worry. He just wants me to be their wedding photographer that's all."

"Someone's marrying that guy? Oh my god. I feel sorry for her."

Chloe just nods. "Love is indeed mysterious."

"And damn, I knew you were in demand but wow the lengths people go to just to have you."

"What can I say, weddings right? It drives people mad."

"But I get it though."

Chloe shakes her head. "What about you? What are you doing here?"

"Oh. Me? I was around the area so I figured."

"Beca."

"I'm kidding. No, I'm actually here to pick up Jessica and Ashley's photos?"

"Oh right. This is it right here. I'm just about to finish packing them. Give me about ten minutes. I can meet you at the front when I'm done."

"Would you mind if I hang around here with you?"

"Not at all."

Chloe then got back to her packing.

Beca waited but it seemed like Chloe wasn't going to try to make any conversation with her. Beca was preparing herself. There was something she's wanted to get off her chest.

"I wanted to apologise." Beca said.

"Hm? For what?"

"I'm sorry if I came on to you too strong at the wedding. But I was really happy to see you and I'm glad I'm here today."

"I got it –"

"You got it handled I know. I just wanted to say I'll stop being weird now and hope to see you around some time like a normal person. Please say hi when we run into each other or something."

Chloe just nods but she didn't like what she was feeling. She doesn't show it though.

"Alright all done. If you could follow me to the front."

"After you."

Beca watched Chloe put the packed pictures in bags.

"Please tell me they've settled their bill already."

Beca earns another genuine laugh from Chloe. "Yes they have don't worry."

"So that's that, then?" Beca eventually says when she accepts the bags from Chloe.

"That's all of it. I hope you have a good day and I hope you all like the photos."

"I'm sure they're great."

Beca's heart was slowly breaking but she was smiling. She was shifting her weight from one foot to another waiting for Chloe to say more.

Chloe thought about it. But she knew deep down her colleagues were right. She had to let go of whatever this was. She was crazy but she wasn't about to risk anything. Chloe was about to apologise, she thought Beca deserved that much.

She was just about to but it was as if Beca saw it coming and she raised her hand to stop Chloe.

"Please don't it's okay really. I get it. But I feel like it's my moral obligation to at least leave you my card in case you know more disgruntled clients that you can without a doubt handle come in here."

"Thank you. That's very thoughtful of you."

"Yes please don't hesitate to call me anytime if you need me."

"I'll keep that in mind."

"Okay. So that's me." Beca does that awkward salute thing before walking away. "Bye for now I guess." Beca offered her hand to Chloe.

Chloe looked down at her hand and nodded as she shook Beca's hand. "Good bye, Beca."

Chloe let go first and busied herself again with something on the counter. Beca reached for the door and her grip tightening on the handle as she contemplates whether she did the right thing. She looked back at Chloe one last time before stepping out of the shop.

Chloe kept her head down and only looked up as soon as she heard the door close. She ended up staring at the door and gave it a few more minutes before she even did anything. When she felt that it was safe to do so, Chloe sighed as she looked at the card Beca gave her.

Beca Mitchell. Special Agent – FBI

She twirls the card with her fingers as she decides what to do with it. How curious was the cat that it got her killed?