AN: I am not new to the fandom or the ship, but I am new to writing this type of fanfiction. I was inspired after seeing Pitch Perfect 3, which felt super out of character for Beca and Chloe. At first, I was just going to write a new version of PP3, but I decided I wanted to start even before that, mix some of the canon, tweak, and change things. This is what I think the Pitch Perfect universe would look like if Bechloe was endgame like they should be! Yes, I took some liberties, I changed some of the timeline, but ultimately, this one starts toward the end of Pitch Perfect 2, but if the Bellas were in junior year during that film. The changes in that regard are small, but if you are OCD about canon, then this one is not for you. However, if you think the studio messed up by not focusing on Bechloe, then come along for the ride!

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Chapter 1

Beca sighed as she stared at her laptop and wracked her brain trying to come up with the perfect lyrics. It was four in the morning and she let out a yawn as she looked around the empty studio at Residual Heat. Sammy left hours ago, but she wasn't ready to go home and face everything that happened over the summer. The tension between her and Chloe was still thick in the air to the point of being stifling for them and the rest of the Bellas in the house. Beca placed her headphones back on, exited out of her programs, and hit play on a new playlist she created. It was full of songs about heartbreak and loss and steeped in angst. She still wasn't sure how things got so bad so fast. She had everything she wanted at the beginning of the year. She was a junior at Barden University finishing up the last semester before senior year. The group got a new member, Emily, or as they called her, Legacy, at the beginning of junior year and she was extremely talented. In fact, she was so talented that her song won the World's acapella competition for them. In order to continue on as Bellas after Fat Amy's southern exposure or Muffgate scandal depending on who you asked, the girls had to win the World's competition.

Beating DSM was a challenge to say the least since the Germans were a well-oiled machine that knew how to entertain the crowd, but they managed to pull it off thanks to Emily's song. Afterwards, she went out to celebrate in Copenhagen with the Bellas, who truly felt like they took the world by storm that night. Beca smiled as she thought about how that night ended. She and Chloe had a bit much to drink, feelings were revealed, and things went very quickly in their relationship from their usual PG-13 flirting to NC-17. If she could have lived in that night forever, everything would have been fine, but reality came crashing down over her the next morning when she woke up next to the beautiful red head. At first, she thought they just fell asleep in bed together, which was not something out of the norm for them, but when she realized they were both naked, the lust-filled night came rushing back to her. She cheated on Jesse. The sweetest and most adorable guy she knew, her boyfriend of two years, and someone she genuinely loved. She immediately ran to the bathroom and threw up as the alcohol decided it was not going to stay in her system. What scared her the most though were her emotions. While their night played out in lust, her heart exposed just how much she felt connected to Chloe. She had strong feelings for the red haired girl with eyes so blue they made her body tingle each time she looked into them. In an odd way, she wished it would have just been lust. Lust, she could control, but deeper feelings complicated everything. Lust, she could admonish and assure Jesse it would not happen again, but deeply rooted feelings she never dealt with in the past were different.

Sure she flirted and teased with Chloe and yes, she knew Jesse was not exactly fond of it, but it was all good-natured in her mind, at least that's what she told herself. At least that's what she used to tell Jesse. Once her stomach was done emptying all the liquid she consumed the night before, she washed her face, and quickly crept back into the bedroom. She realized she was in Chloe's hotel room, not hers, and gathered her things while her best friend peacefully slept. She was conflicted about leaving in such a way, but she didn't know what to say or even what it would mean to Chloe. So, instead of having the morning after conversation, she did what Beca always did. She ran.

It didn't take her long to make it to Jesse's hotel. He was staying at another one in town since he booked his ticket last minute. He wanted to surprise her by coming to her performance. The guilt of how supportive he was as a boyfriend ate at her as she made her way to his door. He was surprised to see her so early in the morning. Looking back, Beca realized he knew the moment their eyes met. He may have not known about the sex, but he knew the conversation. Jesse always had lingering doubts about how close Beca and Chloe were and in that moment, Beca couldn't blame him. She could no longer roll her eyes and dismiss him as being paranoid. She couldn't just call him a nerd and distract him. In that moment, the Chloe issue that always kept her at a distance was right in front of them and she had to deal with it. She let him yell and rant as he angrily packed up his bag. She knew how much he was hurting and it killed her.

"Do you even love me?"

The question still echoed in her head with all of the despair and hurt he asked it with because they both knew the answer. She did love Jesse. Their relationship was full of warmth and love, but it was also convenient and it lacked passion. She lacked passion in him and she realized there was a big difference between loving someone and being in love with them. Her silence was damning and he stormed out before the words could even come out, the apology she wanted to say, the urgency she wanted to speak with, but she couldn't. She just let him leave.

If that wasn't bad enough, Chloe was hurt too. She woke up to an empty bed and knew that Beca had run. It was what Beca did. She was surprised the girl didn't flee the country first thing that morning. Instead, Beca did call her and ask to meet for lunch, but not to tell her that it was the night she always wanted, the night that meant they were moving forward with whatever had been building between them since the day they met. Beca did what she did best, she pushed people away and while Chloe was able to get past many of her walls, there were still some in place, some so etched in stone and rigid that she realized she could never get through. Beca apologized and said it was a mistake. She begged for her forgiveness and at first, Chloe agreed to forget it ever happened. She agreed to just be the best of friends, but the hurt and ache took over. It took longer than she thought it would. It didn't set in when they flew back home or even in the next few days.

The dull ache that she always had for Beca morphed into an undeniable heartbreak when the Bellas had their annual end of school bash. The two girls were dancing and in that moment, Chloe realized that was all she would ever have with her best friend. A part of her always held out hope that Beca returned her feelings for her, that the touches and glances meant more than Beca's natural flirting. When she realized that, the dam broke and she rushed out of the house. Aubrey wasn't surprised when she saw a tearful Chloe at the door that night. After all, she knew Chloe for years and knew how strongly she felt for Beca. As soon as Chloe told her about the night in Copenhagen, she knew something would have to give soon and it did. Chloe had enough. She had enough of the waiting, the yearning, and holding out hope. She needed space and after spending the weekend at Aubrey's apartment downtown, she told Beca just that. Instead of spending the summer together at the Bella House, enjoying the long break before senior year, Chloe was going home to think and figure out what she wanted.

Within weeks, Beca lost her boyfriend and her best friend. Most of the Bellas went home for the summer, only leaving Beca and Stacie behind. Stacie had always been one of Beca's favorites due in part to her lack of care for the status quo, but over that summer they became close friends. Stacie was there when Beca could no longer pretend like she was unfazed by Chloe's decision to leave her behind. She was there when the texts and phone calls from Chloe stopped and when Beca realized Chloe wasn't going to return her calls. She was also there when Beca decided to bury herself in work at Residual Heat instead of actually cope with her heartbreak. It worried Stacie, but she stayed the patient friend and let Beca vent when she needed to and have space when it was all too much.

Beca snapped out of her stupor and shook her head as the past few months played on repeat like a bad movie. The door to the control room opened and she gave a small smile when Mikey strolled in. The drummer tended to not have a care in the world and his infectious smile and carefree personality did warm her up to him. He shook his head as he tossed his bag and drumsticks onto the couch and plopped down.

"What are you doing here so late…or early depending on how you look at it," he teased and she smirked as she looked at the clock. It was almost five.

"Late for me. I'm just working on some stuff and the time got away from me. What are you even doing up?"

"Well, I am pretty much an insomniac, so when I can't sleep, I come record and get some work done," he informed as he rummaged through his bag in search of his headphones.

"Working on Drake's project still," asked Beca and he grinned from ear to ear as he nodded.

"Yep, it is pretty awesome. I still can't believe he agreed to have me involved. Sammy works wonders. I am flying up to Toronto at the end of the week to finish up in the studio with them both, but I will be back in time to start laying down the tracks with you. Are you working on the songs?"

"You mean the songs I am being blackmailed into making? I was, but I can't get in that headspace right now. I have some stuff I need to work on for the Bellas anyways."

"Oh yea, the epic showdown between you and DSM is next month. Let me know when it is and I will check it out. I can't believe they are challenging the results of that competition. I didn't even know the Worlds were a thing before meeting you, let alone that you could throw a fit if you didn't win," he chuckled.

"Well, apparently you can and the committee agreed that we technically found a loophole by singing an original song even though we recorded it beforehand. It is all so stupid though. We won. The judges chose us."

"Are they seriously going to make you disband the Bellas if you lose?"

"Yep, apparently," she grumbled as she reopened several programs on her laptop.

"Damn, that sucks. No pressure, right," he teased and she smirked.

"It seems most things in my life suck right now, so I am used to it," she mumbled as she began remixing a song. They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes as he got out his gear and prepared to go record. He looked up and noticed the purplish bags under her eyes.

"Beca, are you sleeping at all?" She shrugged.

"I am taking a page from your book and trying the whole no sleep thing. Insomnia, it may make you sleep deprived, but it gives you more time to work."

"And brood," he added and she rolled her eyes.

"Whatever," she grumbled.

"Look, I know that Sammy wants you to produce four songs to perform at Atlanta Keys, but you can say no. You don't have to do it. He just heard you playing around in here this summer and thought your stuff was really good. It is good, Beca, but not if it means you aren't taking care of yourself."

"Dude, chill, you aren't a shrink or a doctor. I am fine."

"Fine, freaked out, insecure, neurotic, and emotional, fine," he informed with a cheesy grin and she frowned in confusion.

"Was that supposed to be some type of Confucius quote on Tumblr I missed or something?"

"No, it is from The Italian Job, you know, that heist movie," he informed and she cringed.

"You know, my ex quoted movie lines all the time and I wasn't fond of those either so…" He chuckled and shook his head.

"So you broke up with her?"

"Nope, he's dead. The body is still in the trunk of my car. It stinks, but I haven't found a place to put it yet," she deadpanned. She thought for a moment as he nodded. "Wait, did you say her?"

"Yea, uh, sorry, I just figured it was the red head you write about….I mean not that it can't be both. I mean being bi is cool. I shouldn't have assumed. I just figured…."

"Whoa, back up, what red head, what are you talking about?"

"You and Red, that's what Sammy calls her anyways. I'm sorry. He told me not to mention it. I know it is a sore subject. I just forgot and even for an insomniac it is late," he stammered as he gave her an apologetic look. She sat back in her chair and eyed him suspiciously.

"So this is what you and Sammy do when I am not around? You talk shit?"

"No, of course not! Sammy thinks you are awesome just like I do. I mean he would never say that because he has that whole brooding producer thing down like you do, but…"

"Dude, you are starting to ramble," she laughed with a shake of her head and he smiled sheepishly.

"Yea, I….please don't tell Sammy I mentioned that he told me about Red. I asked about your tracks one day and he just mentioned you and Red were on the outs. I assumed that meant she was your ex. Sorry. Really sorry, like please don't tell Sammy sorry and…."

"Okay, just stop apologizing and we will pretend it never happened," she assured before putting her headphones back on. He sighed in relief as she went back to work. Minutes later, she jumped when he broke the silence with another question.

"So when did you break up with your boyfriend?"

"Jesus Christ, Mikey, you scared the shit out of me! I thought you were heading into one of the live rooms."

"Sorry."

"And now we are back to sorry again," she grumbled and he chuckled.

"So, what happened?"

"Okay, I will make you a deal so you will leave me the hell alone. I know you well enough to know that while you are an extremely talented percussionist, you have the mind of a toddler and will continue to ask me until I answer. If I tell you, will you leave me alone?"

"Only if you tell me about Red too," he said with a shrug and she groaned.

"Seriously, dude, why do you even care?"

"Because I am working on these songs with you soon and I need to know the story and emotions behind them."

"Jesus, you sound like Sammy now."

"It is true, Bec. We are musicians. Our work is our heart and in order for me to make sure your work is the most badass version it can be, I have to know what I am dealing with. Who was the boyfriend and who is Red?" He chuckled as Beca tossed her headphones down and cursed under her breath several times before turning in her chair to face him. He patiently waited as he sat back down across from her on the couch.

"Jesse was my boyfriend, but we broke up at the beginning of the summer."

"And Red?"

"Chloe," she whispered as if she was afraid to say it too loudly.

"Oh, so she is the one," he said with a knowing smile and Beca frowned.

"The one what?"

"The one that got away, the one forever, your soulmate," he answered as if it was simple and she huffed.

"Dude, we never even dated. We were just friends."

"What happened? Sammy said she is the reason you are heartbroken."

"I am not…." She had to catch herself as the ache in her heart reminded her of the lie she was about to tell.

"Yes, you are. So, lay it on me. Sometimes talking makes the words come out more. You are stuck on the lyrics, so put it out there. It isn't like I know any of these people and could tell them."

"Thank God, you have loose lips as it is."

"I don't like to lie to people. Lies get people hurt. Hurting people isn't my thing."

"Well, apparently, it is my specialty," she muttered.

"That's what Blade is about, right? How you hurt people?"

"Yea," she confessed as she let out a breath and he smiled sympathetically at her.

"Look, Beca, I don't know your situation, but I know you are a good person. Don't be so hard on yourself."

"What's your deal, man? Why do you even care this much?"

"Because I care about you." Her eyes widened and she scooted her chair a step back from him. He laughed and shook his head when he noticed.

"Not like that! I mean you are hot, but it is so obvious you are hung up on someone. I care because life is too short to worry about everything but what matters, love." Beca grabbed her headphones.

"Alright, this after school special is over. Thanks for the cheese, but I will just take the wine."

"I am serious," he laughed.

"I am sure you are. It must be nice to have those rose-colored glasses on, but I have seen too much shit in my life to subscribe to that line of logic. My mom cheated on my dad, my dad took off because of it, and shit got dark after the divorce, so forgive me if rainbows and butterflies aren't my cup of tea. I need to get back to work."

"I was paralyzed after a car accident that killed my best friend when I was a teenager," he admitted and she gulped as she put her headphones back down. He smiled sheepishly at her expression.

"Yea, I try not to freak people out by bringing up the darkest time in my life, but Blake and I were driving home one night after a party and a drunk driver hit us. He died on impact and I lost feeling from my waist down. I couldn't play the drums. I couldn't do a lot of things I loved, like surf and hike. I shut down and grieved Blake's death for a while. It took three years of rehab and pain and a lot of cursing, but I made it back."

"Dude, I am so sorry. I didn't know…"

"I didn't tell you, Beca. You don't need to apologize. I am telling you because I know darkness. I wasn't completely out of the woods until I was twenty. I know what it is like to stare death in the face. I also know what it is like to blink, but I made it and I promised myself I would do everything I ever wanted to do in life because…"

"Life is short," she said with a nod and he winked at her.

"And love is all that matters, so, did you love Jesse?"

"I wasn't in love with Jesse," she admitted.

"Because of Red, I mean Chloe, so what happened? Did you tell her and she not feel the same?" She played with the friendship bracelet Chloe gave her junior year as she looked down.

"Actually, um, I am the one that screwed up. I was with Jesse at the time. Chloe and I always flirted, but it never led anywhere…until one night it did. It freaked me out because, my mom cheated and I hated her for it. Hell, I still resent her for it. I know my dad is happy now and they weren't in love like they should have been, but I never want to be like her. So, I told Jesse. We broke up and that was that."

"You know, you do a really good job at dancing around questions, but I think we both know I am persistent. What happened with Chloe?" She pinched the bridge of her nose and shook her head.

"Why can't you just…."

"What happened? Did you freak? Did she change her mind? Is her body in the trunk with Jesse's," he said with a mock gasp of concern. She smiled and shook her head.

"No, you idiot," she giggled.

"Well, damn, did Beca Mitchell just laugh? And not like that, I am being a smartass laugh either, I mean a genuine laugh?"

"Yea, sometimes it happens. It is a personality flaw I am trying to get over," she grumbled and he gave her a look.

"Fine, dude, yea, I freaked. I fucked everything up and she went home for the summer to get some space. Now she is back and things are awkward as hell, so I am hiding out here. We are co-captains, so we unfortunately live together and are expected to work together as Bellas, but that has been….a challenge."

"What, a lot of yelling and cursing?"

"More like pretending I don't even exist unless we are talking about official Bella business," she said with air quotes.

"Ouch, that actually really sucks. Why don't you just tell her the truth?"

"Which is?"

"You love her, but you freaked and let shit from the past bury you, so you messed up and now all you want is a chance." She smirked.

"You make it sound so simple."

"It is simple, Beca. Life is hard. Death sucks, but love is what keeps us going."

"You should make Hallmark cards. If you believe that, then why are you single?"

"Because I move around a lot and one thing I do know is that long distance doesn't work unless you are completely committed. Right now, I am only committed to my music, but when I do settle down, I won't be afraid to get the girl. I won't let her leave or think I don't care. I definitely wouldn't live under the same roof with her knowing that I can be good for her and…." He paused when she looked away.

"Oh, so that's it then. I get it now. Blade. In my arms you're never safe, so hold me like a blade. Damn, Beca, that's tragic as fuck."

"Yea, well, it helps boost the brooding producer look I am going for. Are we done?"

"Yea, I should get in the booth," he said as he stood up. Before she could put her headphones back on, he placed his hand on her shoulder.

"I know you think you are doing the right thing with Chloe, but you aren't. Nothing I will say will make you realize that, but I hope you do before it is too late. There are too many songs out there about realizing what you had after it is too late to do anything about it. Don't add yours to the list," he advised before going into the smaller room to record. She pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed, feeling as though Chloe would never escape her thoughts.